Gay Tantra
Many people believe that tantra is not possible in same sex couples but the number of couples practicing gay tantra would indicate otherwise. Tantra is a Sanskrit word which means to expand, spread, weave, spin out and includes all matter, actions and thought. During Tantra the opposing flows of energy from each partner flow together or are woven together. It also refers to the personalities which are brought together through better understanding achieved in the process.
Many couples are drawn to tantra because it has a reputation for encouraging intimacy and prolonging and intensifying climax. These are not the only benefits. For the individual the process can help them come to terms with parts of their personality they were not comfortable with before. Tantra aims to help people develop spirituality, openness, shed fear and guilt and expand their boundaries to lead a more fulfilling life. Therefore it is a system of spiritual and personal development which utilizes the sexual energies.
Tantra refers to a body of theories which have been developed from original ideas from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Many methods are included in the discipline. This means that tantric practice can be very different with 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.
SkyDancer Tantra is the most widely practiced technique in gay tantric yoga. It is a relatively new system having been developed in the eighties by Margot Anand Naslednikoy. It was developed in France and quickly spread through the western hemisphere. She based the method on the concept of love as a dance in the sky. It was developed from the ideas of Buddhist Tantra and the name comes from one of the founders of that tradition called Big SkyDancer.
Meditation is a common practice in tantra. It aids relaxation, visualization and connection to the spiritual realms. Many people start with taking alternate breaths while sitting face to face. Yoga positions are often used and yoga is also popular due to its focus on breathing. Visualization is used in two ways; to imagine Deities and spiritual entities and also to visualize the transference of energy between the two bodies.
Tantric massage is another way of enjoying gay tantra. The aim of this type of massage is to build sexual energy through touch and pressure and then use that to release energy blockages in the body. It does not have to lead to climax.
Gay tantra is a growing practice among same sex couples and gay singles. It can encompass a range of techniques, practices and beliefs but the overall aim is spiritual development. There are many gurus and teachers throughout the world who run workshops and retreats and they are easily found online.