In a 2015 interview, The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje said that all relationships are valid if based upon trust and real affection. In the English translation from Tibetan, the Karmapa stated: The issue here is true love. In any relationship, whether it is between two people of the same gender, two people of different genders, if the relationship is founded and based on true and genuine love, and not just physical desire, then it's authentic. But if a relationship is based only on desire, only on gratification, and not on love, then whether it is a gay, lesbian or heterosexual relationship, it is not going to be very good. So, the issue here is love, and that is what makes a relationship authentic and valuable.The 9th Thrangu Rinpoche stated he is open to blessing a same-sex commitment ceremony and is accepting of gay sangha members.