Religion Matters: Lived Religion, Sexuality, and Gender

Lived Religion, Sexuality, and Gender: Understanding LGBTQ+ Buddhists in Britain

“Queer Buddhist spaces feel like a hug every time.” According to the 2021 Census, Buddhism has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ practitioners of any religion in Britain. However, little academic attention has been paid to understanding the motivations behind conversion to Buddhism from LGBTQ+ perspectives. This study is the first to map the intersection of Buddhism, sexuality, and gender beyond organisational walls, aiming to understand the lived experiences of queer Buddhists and the realities of Buddhist belonging in Britain. Drawing on empirical data, including diaries and semi-structured interviews with 25 LGBTQ+ Buddhists, this talk explores the everyday practices of LGBTQ+ Buddhists across a variety of private and public localities including on retreat, at home, at a nightclub, or at a sex party. It highlights how individuals draw on their embodied experiences and material resources to engage creatively at the intersection of religion, gender, and sexuality.

Nathan Harrison-Clarke is a scholar of lived religion, sexuality, and gender at the University of Nottingham. His PhD thesis investigates the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Buddhists in Britain using sociological methods.

This event is part of the Religion, Culture and Society public lecture series 2024-2025.