The Pure Land Foundation, a UK-based advocacy organization, has announced the launch of a new video series produced to celebrate Pride in London—an annual LGBTQ pride festival and parade held each summer—in collaboration with the prominent Japanese Buddhist monk, makeup artist and LGBTQ+ advocate Kodo Nishimura. Titled Buddhist, Queer and Beautiful, the video series “examines spirituality, identity, and self-expression, spotlighting queer joy through a Buddhist lens during one of the UK’s most vibrant celebrations,” the foundation says.
“The YouTube series explores themes of identity, self-love, and resilience, offering an affirming space for those navigating the intersection of LGBTQ+ and Buddhist philosophy,” the Pure Land Foundation shared with BDG. “According to UK mental health charity Mind, 50 per cent of LGBTQ+ individuals will experience severe distress due to societal pressures. The series explores how ancient philosophy and self-expression can support healing and empowerment within LGBTQ+ communities.”
Founded in 2015 by philanthropist and LGBTQ+ advocate Bruno Wang and inspired by Buddhist values, the Pure Land Foundation is aimed at alleviating emotional and psychological suffering within diverse communities and fostering well-being at the individual and collective level.
The foundation states that it “champions spiritual insight, emotional resilience, and the transformative power of inner awareness. Through original digital content, including teachings, reflections, and practical tools, the foundation aims to guide individuals toward greater clarity, connection, and calm, supporting not only personal healing, but also societal harmony.” (Pure Land Foundation)
Speaking about the Buddhist, Queer and Beautiful series, Wang said: “Affirming, inclusive Buddhist communities and practices such as mindfulness and compassion can significantly improve mental well-being, countering stigma and internal conflict. The affirmations within this first limited series will help the global LGBTQ+ community to learn how Buddhist philosophies can be empowering and uplifting.”
Nishimura was raised as a Buddhist in Japan. Born in 1989, he now serves as vice-deputy priest at the 500-year-old Chosho-ji, his family’s Buddhist temple in Tokyo, affiliated with the Jodo-shu branch of Pure Land Buddhism. Describing himself as “gender gifted,” Nishimura said that he knew from a young age he was attracted to men.
After high school, he studied at Parsons School of Design in New York City, which he says allowed him to find acceptance as an LGBTQ person and to fully express himself. Nishimura says that this path eventually gave him the courage to embrace his Buddhist roots, and he began training for monasticism in Japan while also working as a makeup artist in the US.
Coming out to his parents, his father, a professor of Buddhist studies and the head priest at Chosho-ji, encouraged Nishimura to live the life he wanted, based on the understanding that Buddhism does not discriminate on sexuality, appearance, or background.
While studying in New York City, Nishimura also met his future husband, then battled to have him recognized as his spouse in Japan, where same-sex marriage is not yet legal.
Kodo has since dedicated his career to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices through a blend of artistry, spirituality and lived experience. He is author of book This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are. In 2021, TIME magazine featured Nishimura on its list of Next Generation Leaders, noting that he was “on a mission to spread the message of equality in Buddhism. He gives talks on LGBTQ issues, and hopes to inspire leaders to change laws—especially in Japan, which currently does not have any national legislation protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.” (TIME)
Speaking on Buddhist, Queer and Beautiful Nishimura observed: “I am grateful to be a part of something that would have supported me when I needed it most. If you ever doubt yourself, please remember that shining in your color makes the world more colorful and more beautiful.”
See more
Pure Land Foundation
Pure Land Foundation (YouTube)
Buddhist, Queer and Beautiful (Pure Land Foundation YouTube)
Kodo Nishimura
‘I Am Both Ancient and Trendy.’ He’s a Buddhist Monk, a Makeup Artist and an LGBTQ Activist (TIME)
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