About Us
Spiritual Inclusion and Support for LGBTQIA+ Buddhists
Rainbodhi Singapore is a spiritual friendship group dedicated to fostering mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, we create a safe and supportive space for meditation, Dhamma discussions, and social connection, embracing the diversity of all beings. Everyone is welcome—regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ability, or spiritual background.
Our name, Rainbodhi, reflects our commitment to harmony and awakening: the rainbow symbolizes the beautiful diversity of our community, while bodhi represents the path to enlightenment and the realization of our interconnectedness. Guided by the principles of loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), and inclusivity, we strive to nurture a sense of belonging and understanding within the broader Buddhist community and society at large.
Whether you come from a Buddhist tradition, another faith, or no faith at all, you are welcome here. Together, we walk the path of awakening, celebrating the unique light within each individual.
At Rainbodhi Singapore, we embrace a non-sectarian approach, welcoming the diverse teachings and traditions within Buddhism without aligning exclusively with any particular school. We believe, as expressed by Rongzom Chokyi Zangpo, that all paths within the Dharma share a common essence—each guiding us toward truth and liberation. While the vehicles may differ in expression and emphasis, they do not contradict but rather complement one another, deepening our collective understanding without dismissing the foundations of any. This spirit of unity in diversity shapes our community and our commitment to inclusivity.
Rainbodhi was established in 2019 by Akāliko Bhikkhu, a former queer Buddhist monk from the Theravada forest tradition, who has since disrobed.
Rainbodhi SG regularly hosts a variety of events, including temple tours, picnics, overseas retreats, pilgrimage tours, and Zoom Care & Share sessions. These activities provide queer-affirming Buddhists with meaningful opportunities to deepen their connection with the Triple Gem—the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—while fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.
In addition, we organize interfaith gatherings to connect with other queer religious groups, promoting mutual understanding, dialogue, and harmony across diverse spiritual traditions.
Discussing the importance of religions welcoming all people, Bhante Akāliko comments:
“Religions often have a bad track record when it comes to affirming and supporting LGBTQIA+ people. We need to let our community know that it’s fine to be LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith. We want queer Buddhists to feel that they are loved and that they belong. There has always been queer and trans people in religious life; it’s important for us to acknowledge that publically, with pride. Buddhism has a role to play in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of our entire community. Love and compassion for all is a fundamental Buddhist concept. No religion should preach hate or harm others.”
Rainbodhi Singapore is the first international chapter of Rainbodhi and strives to be a community leader in Singapore and Asia, creating safe and supportive spaces where LGBTQ+ Buddhists can come together in spiritual friendship. Rooted in the principles of engaged Buddhism, we actively address the social inequalities and suffering faced by the LGBTQ+ Buddhist community, advocating for compassion, inclusion, and justice.
Through our initiatives, we aim to challenge misconceptions about LGBTQ+ identities, particularly those wrongly associated with sexual misconduct, and have published books to educate and debunk these harmful stereotypes. Additionally, we are committed to bringing Buddhist psychology into the mainstream, offering tools and practices to support the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Kyle Neo, the leader of Rainbodhi Singapore, emphasizes the importance of an LGBTQIA+-affirming spiritual community: "Inclusion is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. By creating spaces where LGBTQ+ Buddhists can practice without fear or judgment, we honor the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and equality. Together, we can transform suffering into understanding and build a more inclusive spiritual path for all."
What will Rainbodhi Singapore Offer to the LGBTQIA+ Buddhist Community?
Rainbodhi has already established a regular stream of both online and in-person events over the last three years. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singaporean Buddhists participated in Rainbodhi’s online series, LGBTQIA+ Buddhist Toolkit, connecting communities and equipping individuals with spiritual tools to navigate uncertain times. Past Rainbodhi events have included Dhamma discussions, guided meditations, and social activities such as hiking and picnics. Additionally, we have hosted mindfulness workshops and tea appreciation workshops at Pink Fest, as well as numerous Vesak interfaith events to foster harmony and understanding with other religious groups.
Kyle Neo says Rainbodhi Singapore intends to build on these successful activities by creating dynamic and interactive events tailored especially for the Singaporean community:
Rainbodhi Singapore aspires to care for the LGBTQIA+ Buddhist community in Singapore by providing a safe space for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ or is questioning to engage in Buddhist community practices. These include discussion groups, social gatherings, retreats, and spiritual educational programs.
Mission
Inspire social change through the transformative power of Buddhist teachings.
Community
We are a community motivated by using the Dharma to create personal, cultural, and global impact.
Our Work
Events that focus on the community, including mindfulness workshops, tea appreciation workshops, and interfaith collaborations with other LGBTQ+ religious organizations.
Guided tours of museums or temples to explore cultural and spiritual heritage.
Publications that highlight Buddhism's influence and societal importance.
Study groups like Care and Share, where we delve into the concept of Dharma and explore ways to incorporate Buddhist teachings into our daily lives.