Sexuality discussions in santería: A case study of religion and sexuality negotiation

Abstract

This article examines everyday discussions of sexuality among practitioners of Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religious-cultural practice in the United States derived from Africa’s Yoruba tradition. Santeria incorporates gay, lesbian, and bisexual identified (GLB) practitioners, who educate each other and other practitioners on sexuality and sexual orientation. I used a case study approach based on ethnographic methods with extended interviews to look at Santeria’s religious structure, the interception of gender and sexuality with Santeria’s hierarchical practice, and the sexual and religious knowledge used by the religion’s practitioners. The relationship between ethno-racial minorities and sexual minorities is elaborated in detail—theoretically, as well as in the specific scenario of Santeria. GLB practitioners are inserted into the religious setting through a set of roles or perceived responsibilities within Santeria. This research elucidates newer ways of thinking about religion that incorporate discussions of sexuality.