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The temples you have seen do depict both homosexuality and heterosexuality, sometimes in the same panel. There's a lot of "assistance" going on, to. Most of tese scenes are of orgy-like conditions, and probably refer to holidays and celebrations, not everyday occurances, especially since some of the depicted male-on male action is between monks and Brahman visitors. If my parents hadn't taken my forbidden coffee table book of those images and temples when I was younger I could have answered your question better, but I'm working off of memory here.

There is a hindu "third sex" I am not familiar with the concept, but the wikipedia article on Homosexuality and Hinduism mentions it a little more in depth. It looks like an alternate gender for people who are not "straight" as Western thought knows the term, and is considered a natural tendancy from birth.

It would seem that even in the Vedas there was discrimination against men who had no desire for women (again, no mention of women with no desire for men. I find this absence of mention odd.)

In 400CE, there was a law written that forbade homosexual marriage in Hindi culture. It is still in effect today. I would like to point out, however, that SOME third gender citizens have married. Since they are not technically either man or woman, it would not violate the law.

Look up the Manu Smirti for laws and punishments (these are only for certain upper castes, so keep that in mind)

The Kama Sutra, itself an interesting read, DOES give instructions so that members of the third gender as well as females can perform oral sex on men. It does go on the say that the act is intended to be between men and women and scorned by the upper caste, which is a cop out of the highest order. Eventually the Kama Sutra mentions lesbian activity, which eventually (though I think not in the Kama Sutra itself) is denounced as an ill-treatment of other women. Quite unfair.

There was medical recognition back in previous centuries of the passive and agressive roles, as well as a POSSIBILITY for lesbian conception, though the text stated the child would be born boneless. I find this interesting, and will look into it further.

I read that the Hindi language/culture has words for over 20 different sexual preferences, all determined at birth.

There is a god presiding over castration and transsexuality in contemporary Hinduism, though I do not know how LONG that god has held that role.. Saints change their patronages, so Hindu gods may do the same.

Modern India is a horrible place to be if you are gay, as sex between men is illegal (no mention of between women in the article I saw...) but not usually prosecuted.

Thank you for all this information...I got a question about Wiccas. I rarely hear about them and would like to know what they concider as the purpose of life.

We're merely here to put as much good into the universe as we can, that's all.

We are merely the children of the Earth.

Besides, bad karma carries a heavy price tag.