Humanists Who Identify as LGBTQ

Humanism is a philosophical belief system that places man at the centre of the functioning of the world and our society, believing that our environment and our outcomes are all determined by the behaviour of humans, who in turn are encouraged to attempt to achieve the greater good. Humanists reject any notion of spiritual or supernatural determination and their attendant dogmatic or superstitious beliefs. Rather, they use science and its fact-based determining system as the basis for analyzing cause and effect, whereas art acts as an inspiration for achievement. As such, humanism encourages benevolence towards one's fellow humans to advance society and improve the social and economic conditions of everyone.

The concept of humanism goes back many generations and has its roots in multiple regions, including Greece, India, China, and the Islamic countries.

One can readily see the linkages between humanism and the LGBTQ community with its range of diversities. It advocates participatory democracy, standing for human rights and social justice. However, one can readily see the tensions that arise between humanists and traditional religious beliefs, based as they are on beliefs that lie outside our living environment. As a result, humanists have often been persecuted and outlawed.

Humanists are committed advocates for LGBTQ equality and have been active supporters of marriage equality, transgender rights, employment equity, and so on. The LGBTQ Humanist Alliance seeks to cultivate safe and affirming communities, promote humanist values, and achieve full equality and social liberation of LGBTQ persons. The tenets of today's queer theory align within the humanistic paradigm.

Historically, this group included the early Greek philosophers, Alexander the Great, and the Roman Emperor Hadrian. During the Renaissance period, humanism was particularly popular in the Italian states and included the greatest painter of all time Buonarroti Michelangelo. Today, it's prominent members include the politician Boris van der Ham and the Harvard/Yale academic Chris Stedman.

The action of Philanthropy is considered to be primarily based in the humanist belief system.

Canada