Gay & Lesbian Vaishnava Association

 Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a branch of Vaishnava Hinduism originating from Gaudadesa (Bengal). Its members accept Lord Caitanya (1486-1534 A.D.) as the spiritual preceptor for this age—an incarnation of Radha and Krsna combined. Gaudiya Vaishnavas worship Radha-Krsna as the original and most intimate manifestation of Godhead. Lord Caitanya’s mission is to spread love of God throughout the world and to all people, especially the fallen and downtrodden. His specific method is to engage everyone in chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Gaudiya Vaishnavas always chant this maha-mantra while meditating on the Divine Couple in a loving mood and are commonly known in the West as the “Hare Krishnas.” 

The third sex or gender (tritiya-prakriti) refers to people we know today as sex or gender minorities--homosexuals, transgenders, the intersexed, LGBTQ+, etc.--people who do not fit neatly into society's "normal" male and female roles or expectations.  In Vedic culture, such people did not typically engage in sexual reproduction and were thus awarded a special status in society.  Their presence at festive occasions was considered auspicious and they were believed to possess supernatural powers to bless or curse others.

You can easily join GALVA-108 by liking our Facebook page and following the up-to-date posts.  If you wish to participate more actively, ask to be added to our private Facebook discussion group.  There you can pose questions, discuss current events and so on.  We also have a private Singles group for members interested in finding a serious, God-centered relationship.  Please note we do not allow anonymous members into the private groups.  Your Facebook profile must have your real name, pictures and other basic information in order to be accepted.
 

Unfortunately, we do not keep lists of LGBT-friendly temples, gurus or same-sex marriage priests because they change so frequently.  It is best to inquire locally in this regard, or you can also try inquiring from other members in our private Facebook discussion group.  As with most religions, Vaishnava temples, gurus and priests can be openly accepting, privately accepting or sometimes even exclusionary toward LGBT folk--but with honesty and determination you should be able to find the right temple, guru or priest that welcomes and inspires you in spiritual life.
 

Yes!  The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna loves everyone within His creation. This is true regardless of any distinctions such as gender, race, nationality, class, etc. Both the eternal spiritual world and its reflection (this temporary material world) are full of unlimited beauty and variety, and each individual creation of the Lord has its own unique role to play. This can be compared to the many different spokes on a wheel that all serve to support its operation.  

The goal of life is to attain pure love of Godhead (Krishna prema).  This is achieved by becoming more and more detached from this material world and body while becoming more and more attached to spiritual life and Krishna (God).  This process is accelerated through the chanting of the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna; Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama; Rama Rama, Hare Hare.  Please take to this sacred chanting and your life will become sublime!