The relationship between the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and religion is complicated, and so, members have different experiences. In the past, many religions treated LGBT members harshly by quietly discouraging and discriminating them, and actively opposing the idea of socially accepting their identities. As a result, religion became a source of suffering for such people that had to leave their communities. Such religions include Islam, Bahá'í Faith, and Sikhism, among others, which still condemn homosexuality.
In recent times, religion is becoming a solace for many bisexual, lesbian, gay, and transgender people because, in almost every religious denomination, supportive groups adopt different interpretations. Therefore, growing numbers of structured religious groups continually issue statements about their stands, officially welcoming LGBT people. They take supportive positions on the issues affecting these people, including the ordination of LGBT clergy, same-sex marriage, and fight for freedom.
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Religions that accept and welcome LGBT people do not view homosexuality as sinful. They include Abrahamic faiths of Christianity and Judaism, which initially forbade non-heterosexual relations. Multiple Judaism and Christianity denominations accept LGBT members and allow ordination for ministry. Chinese folk religion accepts LGBT people and provides the world's first religious shrine for homosexuals. Satanism views sex as an indulgence that one should enter with consent, and thus accepts transgender persons, gays, lesbians.
Leaders in the Raëlian Movement perform licensed same-sex marriages because it recognizes this kind of matrimony. It believes that sexual orientation is genetic and likens discrimination against gay people to racism. In Ancient Greece, homosexuality was normal and hence accepted in Epicureanism in the current times.
The relationship between religion and LGBT persons varies across place and time. It also varies between different sects and religions as well as regarding diverse transgender, bisexuality, and homosexuality forms identity. Although some of the world's largest religious doctrines and authoritative bodies view LGBT negatively, progressive and liberal voices view these people positively.
