https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6452-2922
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ABSTRACT
This article explores the perspectives of Malaysian Sikh parents on sexual identity and their interpretation of the Guru Granth Sahib. As a minority in a diverse society, their views are significant in understanding global sexual diversity. This study is based on the parental acceptance-rejection theory and utilizes a hybrid strategy to collect data, primarily through questionnaires and interviews. The findings reveal that Sikh parents have uncertainty about natural laws related to sexual orientation and hold misconceptions about non-heterosexual identification. It emphasizes the need to promote awareness, acceptance, and education within religious institutions to combat discrimination and support the well-being of the LGBTQ community.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 A Sikh should mean what he says, any person who does not possess this quality cannot be called a Sikh (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 24).
2 A Sikh should be free from all vices and do good to others. He should look different from others due to his inner qualities and not only because of his outer looks (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 218).
3 Sharing all social responsibilities by leading householder’s life, earning one’s living through hard work and sharing it with the needy and less fortunate (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 1245).
4 Despite prominent contributions in the field of defense, freedom fighting, business, political leadership, academics, and legal profession to name a few, Sikhism is largely unfamiliar or unnoticed among the general populace.
5 As the word of the Forgiving Lord comes to me, so do I express it, O Lalo (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 722). The Sikh philosophy was written and authenticated by the Gurus themselves during their lifetime and not after death of others. The scripture has traveled through the generations without changing of a single letter. It is final and unalterable scripture. It was written in Gurmukhi script on 1430 pages, composed and arranged in well-known 31 Ragas (musical settings) to avoid alteration. In addition to the hymns of the Sikh Gurus, it contains the writings and hymns of saints and preachers with different religious backgrounds, whose philosophy conformed to the spirit of Sikhism. The writing method of the scripture is rather modern due to the richness of its scholarly style (Kaur Citation2012).
6 There is one and only one God (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 358). God is beyond form, gender and access to God is direct for all. Its origin was in God and its end is in God; and it operates in the God’s Hukm (God’s order) (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 294). Additionally, ‘The creator who created the universe, knows when He created it’ (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 4).
7 ‘Accept all humans as your equals, and let them be your only sect (human race)’ (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 28).
8 Sadh-sangat (congregation) by praying together as equals, pangat (commensality) by sitting together as equals and Guru Ka Langar (Guru’s Community Kitchen) by eating together as equals.
9 To illustrate, there is no ban or prohibition on any genders to visit gurdwara, paying obeisance, equally to receive Sikh Initiation (Khalsa) and can perform all Sikh religious rites, such as recitation of sacred poetry and religious ceremonies.
10 Truthful living in the noble fear of God is heaven. Having no faith in God and leading an unethical life is hell (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 24).
11 Since the Sikh philosophy focuses on the concept of the spirit rather than the physical body, therefore, the position of God and mankind should therefore be seen from that point of view of the transformation of the spirit.
12 There is one Husband Lord, and all are His brides. (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 933). In this world and in the next, the soul-bride belongs to her Husband Lord, who has such a vast family. (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 137).
13 Immersed in family life, the Lord's humble servant ever remains detached; he reflects upon the essence of spiritual wisdom (Guru Granth Sahib Citationn.d., 599).