Jainism looks at this mainly through its core principles, not through modern social labels.

1. All souls are equal

- Every jiva (soul) is beginningless, pure in its true nature, and fundamentally equal. - The soul has no gender or sexual orientation; these belong to the body and to karmic conditions, not to the soul itself.

1. Scriptures and homosexuality

- Classical Jain scriptures do not give a clear, separate category like “gay” or “LGBT” as discussed today. - The focus is on controlling sexual passion (kāma) and practicing brahmacharya (celibacy / sexual restraint) rather than judging a person’s orientation. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Monks and nuns (both Digambar and Śvetāmbara)

- For ascetics, the rule is very strict: complete celibacy. - Any sexual activity, desire, or stimulation (toward any gender) is a violation of their vow. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Laypeople (householders)

Jain ethics for laypeople focus on how you live, not on who you are attracted to: - Sex is allowed, but with restraint. - Main points: - No violence, coercion, or exploitation. - Truthfulness and faithfulness (no cheating, deceit). - Avoid excessive indulgence and addiction to pleasure. - Many modern Jain scholars say: If a relationship is consensual, non‑violent, and faithful, then the main Jain concern is your attachment and passions, not the gender of the partner. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Ahimsa and discrimination

- Hating, insulting, or harming someone because they are gay is a form of himsa (violence) in thought, word, and deed. - From a Jain viewpoint, deliberately causing such suffering creates bad karma for the one who hates, not for the victim.

1. Karma and spiritual view

- Different bodies, inclinations, genders, and attractions are all results of past karmas. - None of these automatically make a person “impure” or “unworthy.” - What really matters is: - Reducing passions (anger, ego, deceit, greed, uncontrolled lust), - Practicing compassion, - Moving toward self‑control and inner purity.

1. Digambar vs. Śvetāmbara

- Both traditions: - Agree on complete celibacy for monks/nuns. - Teach chastity and restraint for laypeople. - Differences between them are more about details of monastic conduct and scriptural interpretation, not about specifically “gay vs straight” categories. ( jainknowledge.com)

Simple summary

• Jainism does not single out “gay people” as specially sinful or uniquely condemned.
• It teaches:

- Do not harm others. - Be honest and faithful. - Restrain sexual passion and gradually purify your mind. - Respect every soul as equal.

You can read a Jain-focused discussion on this topic here: “Can I be gay” and “How do Jainas view homosexuality?”