Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) has released its sixth report in the State of the Panth series titled Sikhi & Sexuality, exploring how Sikhi has influenced the collective behavior of the Sikhs when it comes to sex, pleasure, and procreation.

“Sexuality is not something that is frequently discussed in the Panth (Sikh Collective). It’s not a meaningful part of our education system. The report clearly outlines Sikh perspectives on major topics like lust, marriage, homosexuality, and polygamy. It also provides some tremendous step-by-step recommendations that both individuals and institutions can implement today. This is a conversation worth having.”

— Kulvir Singh, SikhRI Executive Director

Sikhi & Sexuality is a study of a confusing and frequently avoided topic, which tends to polarize nearly every religious and non-religious tradition. The report, however, approaches the discussion from the Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective based on Bani (Wisdom), Tavarikh (History), and Rahit (Lifestyle).

To support its research, SikhRI has conducted a global survey of 1,212 self-identified Sikhs from 31 countries to gain valuable and relevant insights from the Sikh community. Jasleen Kaur, researcher of this report, shared:

“84% of respondents said that lust and sex are not synonymous, and 65% of respondents said that they understand lust as encompassing any all-consuming thoughts or actions. This tells us that hardlined approaches to sexuality through the Sikh lens are not as common as initially predicted. Still, respondents expressed the greatest comfort discussing sexuality with non-Sikhs, pointing to an existing reality within the Panth of shame and taboo surrounding the topic. ”

Harinder Singh, senior researcher of this report, remarked:

“How Sikhi can model the sexual behavior of transnational Sikhs is why we delved into this topic. Currently, we are informed by either the dominant organized religions or current cultural norms of societies we live in. Understanding their influence can help individuals and institutions shape healthy Sikh sexual attitudes and behavior.”

In the end, the report lists thorough recommendations for individuals and institutions that provide a framework for approaching conversations related to sexuality from the guiding perspective of Sikhi.

Sikhi & Sexuality is available to download today at sikhri.org/sotp. A full set of raw data for academic use is included as a separate document.

For inquiries, please contact: Manpreet Singh
Manpreet.Singh@SikhRI.org | +1 855-913-1313 ext. 701

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