Cultural Afrofascism and the Homosexual Subject in Trifonia Melibea Obono Ntutumu’s La bastarda (2016)

Abstract

One of the significant innovations brought about by sexual liberty is that it is now possible to debate and analyse the theme of homosexuality fearlessly in terms of social oppression (García Sarduy et al., 2002). However, despite gaining freedom in Western countries, homosexuals are far from living harmoniously within society. Although it arouses the traditional and religious authority’s indignation, homosexuality has been recognised as an individual right in certain African countries. This work aims to analyse, by using the Sociocriticism method, the interactions between the homosexual subject and the actors of cultural Afrofascism (the traditional Fang society in this case), as well as the image of the homosexual in the same society. It also shows that through this novel, Melibea Obono takes a stand for personal rights and mutual tolerance in traditional African societies.