Homosexuality and religion supported them. Ancient religious texts such as the Vedas often refer to people of a third gender known as hijra, who are neither female nor male. Some see this third gender as an ancient parallel to modern western lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex identities. Hinduism has taken various positions, ranging from positive to neutral or antagonistic. Referring to the nature of Samsara, the Rigveda, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism says 'Vikruti Evam Prakriti' (perversity/diversity is what nature is all about, or, what seems unnatural is also natural). A "third gender" has been acknowledged within Hinduism
Decline of ancient Egyptian religion stable throughout the country’s ancient history. Despite this, specific towns and areas of Egypt usually placed varying emphasis on different gods, and most temples were dedicated to a specific god. This behaviour has led to Egyptian religion being labeled as more of a cult system than a completely homogeneous religion, but regardless, religion played a critical role in the life of every Egyptian. Likely the largest disruption of Egyptian religion prior to its actual downfall is the Amarna heresy, in which 18th dynasty pharaoh Amenhotep IV renamed himself Akhenaten and began a period of about 20 years during which Atenism