The Gay Tarot is a unique and significant variant of the traditional tarot that focuses on depicting and exploring the experience and identity of gay people. Unlike the conventional tarot, where the images tend to focus on heterosexual couples, the Gay Tarot uses images with people of the same sex to symbolize and understand concepts related to the couple and self-discovery.
This tarot was conceived by Lee Bursten, a seasoned tarot practitioner with over 25 years of experience. Lee Bursten, who identifies as gay, felt the need to create a tarot that reflected the reality and experiences of homosexual people in a social context where attitudes towards homosexuality varied from indifference to hostility. His intention was to provide a tool that would allow gay people to feel comfortable with images and explore the relationships and behaviors of their identity.
The Gay Tarot illustrations were created by the talented Antonella Plátano, a renowned illustrator. These images present a range of symbols and scenes that are related to self-sufficiency, self-esteem and self-acceptance, fundamental elements for the growth and personal fulfillment of homosexual people.
In the Gay Tarot, a strong emphasis is placed on the figure of the homosexual man as the protagonist, but the importance of the woman is also recognized, although she is not excluded. This variant of the tarot offers an inclusive and diverse perspective, which seeks to explore and celebrate gay identity in all its dimensions.
In short, the Gay Tarot is a valuable and sensitive interpretation of the traditional tarot, designed specifically to address the unique experiences and challenges gay people face in their quest for self-discovery, healthy relationships, and personal empowerment.