The popularity of gay tantra is growing despite the fact that some people think that it is not possible between same sex couples. Tantra is the name for a collection of beliefs and the practice aims to bring about unity in the couple through the exchanges and weaving of energy flows. It is a Sanskrit word which roughly means to expand or weave or spread and which in practice refers to the process experienced by the partners. A certain amount of increased self awareness also results from tantra and can lead to a deeper understanding between the couple.
Tantra is a system of personal and spiritual development. It is not just about prolonging orgasms or becoming more intimate with your partner although these are common benefits. Contrary to most spiritual traditions Tantra views sexual energy and lust as an integral part of human spirituality and a path to enlightenment. It also involves recognizing darker parts of the personality and integrating those and full sexual potential into the being. The aim of Tantra is to expand boundaries, accept ourselves and dispel guilt or fear and learn about our mystical selves.
The theories which are called tantra come from all over Asia and are built on ancient traditions from Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore practices can vary a lot between different teachers.
Due to the focus on opposing polarities many believe that the opposite sexes are needed for Tantra and gay tantra is impossible. However in traditions which focus on the Kundalini model of energy flows this is not the case. In Tantra using Kundalini the rising energy is viewed as being the same in all persons, whatever their sexual persuasion or gender. Other traditions use visualization to solve the problem in gay Tantra. One of the partners assumes a role and visualizes themselves as being of the opposite gender and the partners use their minds to direct the energy. In Buddhist Tantra human sexual experience is beyond sexual preferences which are seen as a part of the personality.
One of the more popular types of gay tantric yoga is a relatively new system called SkyDancer Tantra. It is based on an ancient system probably from Tibet but was developed by Margot Anand Naslednikoy in the Eighties. It is based on the concept of love being similar to a dance in the sky. The name comes from a colleague of a Buddha who was called Big Sky Dancer. Together they created Tantric Buddhism, whose followers were apparently passionate and entirely devoted to their spiritual work.
Most tantric practice involves meditation. Breathing is a vital part of the process with techniques involving alternating breaths between partners. Visualization is another common method which has many aspects. It is possible to visualize deities or other magical powers or processes between the two bodies such as movement of energy. Yoga is used to maintain positions and for its meditative properties and focus on breathing.
Tantric massage is another prevalent way to apply tantra. It is not intended to bring about climax but to release blockages of energy in the body. The masseuse builds up sexual energy in the body and then uses that to unblock the necessary areas.
For those who want to learn more about gay tantra there are many retreats, workshops and gurus available. It is easy to find details of these online. Increasing numbers of same sex couples and single gay people are starting to practice gay tantra. There are a range of methods but the main aim is personal development.
Howie Holben oversees Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations affliation that focuses on conscious travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. There is more about gay tours with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.