Desi Rainbow Parents
Queerness and Buddhism with Bhante Tashi Choedup and Dr. Tushar Bhagat
Bhante Tashi Choedup (she/they), a transgender Buddhist monk from Hyderabad, India and Dr. Tushar Bhagat (he/him), a scientist and MBSR practitioner, discuss the history of Buddhism in India, its relationship to caste, class and LGBTQ+ identity, as well as what queerness brings to Buddhism on Buddha Jayanti.
Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is an auspicious day that marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is believed that this was also the day he attained enlightenment.
Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies hosted a meaningful, compassionate and inclusive Buddha Jayanti Celebration on May 15, 2022, with Desi LGBTQ+ folx and their families. We listened to affirming words from the Venerable Tashi Choedup and from MBSR practitioner Dr. Tushar Bhagat, and participated in a beautiful, affirming storytelling session led by Mohit Mehta (he/him)