What were the Buddhas views on sexual orientation and gender identity?
From what I’ve read in the suttas, the Buddha gave no indication that one’s sexual orientation or gender identity has any bearing on one’s spiritual practice. The five precepts, which form the most basic foundation of a moral life in Buddhism, encourage the abstention from “sexual misconduct,” a term that generally refers to sexual activity between two people outside of a long-term committed relationship. It has nothing to do with “orientation.” The Buddha did, however, have strong words to say about sexuality/sensuality in general, as it is one of the most powerful expressions of human craving and attachment. And craving — the second Noble Truth — is a root cause of human suffering.
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