View source for LGBT themes in African diasporic mythologies

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Various LGBT themes are present in different in African diasporic mythologies, primary among them being Voodoo.

{{LGBT mythology mini}}

==Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Vodou==
[[Image:Samedi.jpg|thumb|Depiction of Baron Samedi, a bisexual loa]]
{{See also|Haitian Vodou and sexual orientation}}
A large number of spirits or deities exist in [[Haitian Vodou|Haitian]] and [[Louisiana Voodoo]] called [[lwa]]. These lwa may be regarded as families of individuals or as a singular entity with distinct aspects, with links to particular areas of life.

Some lwa have particular links with magic, ancestor worship or death such as the [[Gede (Haitian Vodou)|Gede]] and Bawon. A number of these are further particularly associated with [[Gender variance|gender non-conformity]] or same-sex interactions.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 157, "Ghede"</ref> These include [[Ghede Nibo]], a spirit caring for those who die young. He is sometimes depicted as an effeminate drag queen and inspires those he inhabits to lascivious sexuality of all kinds, especially gender non-conforming or lesbian behaviour in women.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 157, "Ghede Nibo"</ref> Gede Nibo's parents are [[Baron Samedi]] and [[Maman Brigitte]]; Baron Samedi is the leader of the Gede and Barons and is depicted as a bisexual dandy or occasionally as transgender, wearing a [[top-hat]] and [[frock coat]] along with a women's skirts and shoes. Samedi has a tendency toward "lascivious movements" that cross gender boundaries and also imply a lust for anal sex.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 83, "Baron Samedi"</ref>

Other barons displaying gay behaviour are Baron Lundy and Baron Limba, who are lovers and teach a type of homoerotic nude wrestling at their school, believed to increase magical potency.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 83, "Baron Limba" & "Baron Lundy"</ref> Baron Oua Oua, who often manifests with a childlike aspect, has been called the baron "most closely linked to homosexuality" by Vodou practitioners.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 83, "Baron Oua Oua"</ref>

Another lwa, [[Erzulie]], is associated with love, sensuality and beauty. Erzulie can manifest aspects that are LGBT-related, including transgender or amazonian traits, in addition to traditionally feminine guises. When inhabiting men, these aspects can result in gender non-conforming or homoerotic behaviour, whereas they may result in lesbianism or anti-male sentiment in women. Erzulie Freda is seen as the protector of gay men, and Erzulie Dantor is associated with lesbians.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 135, "Erzulie"</ref>

===Santería and Candomblé===
[[Santería]] and [[Candomblé]] are syncretic religions derived from [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]] diasporic beliefs and Catholicism, most prevalent in [[South Americas]], including [[Cuba]] and [[Brazil]]. Their mythologies have many similarities to that of Yoruba, and contains a pantheon of [[Orisha]]s (spirits), comparable to (and often identified with) the loa of Voodoo.

In one Cuban Santería "pataki", or mythological story, the sea goddess [[Yemaha]] is tricked into incestuous sex with her son [[Shango]]. To hide her shame at this event, she banished her other two sons, [[Inle (Santería)|Inle]] and Abbata, to live at the bottom of the ocean, additionally cutting out Inle's tongue and making Abbata deaf. As a result of their isolation and loneliness, Inle and Abbata become passionate friends and then lovers, able to communicate emphatically. This pataki is used to explain the origin of incest, [[muteness]], and [[deafness]] in addition to homosexuality.<ref>Conner & Sparks (1998), p. 39, "Abbata"</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|LGBTQ|Mythology}}
* [[LGBT themes in mythology]]
* [[LGBT topics and Afro-Americans in the Americas]]
* [[Queer theology]]
* [[Religion and homosexuality]]
* [[Religion and transgenderism]]

==References==
;Specific
{{Reflist|3}}

===General===

* {{cite book |title= Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit|last= Conner |first= Randy P. |authorlink= |author2= Sparks, David Hatfield |author3= Sparks, Mariya |year=1998 |publisher=Cassell |location=UK |isbn=0-304-70423-7}}
* {{cite book |title=Queering creole spiritual traditions: lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender participation in African-inspired traditions in the Americas|last=Conner |first=Randy P. |authorlink= |author2=Sparks, David Hatfield |year=2004 |publisher=Haworth Press |location= |isbn=978-1-56023-351-0}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |title= Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit|last= Conner |first= Randy P. |authorlink= |author2=David Hatfield Sparks |author3=Mariya Sparks |year=1998 |publisher=Cassell |location=UK |isbn=0-304-70423-7}}
* {{cite book |title=Queering creole spiritual traditions: lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender participation in African-inspired traditions in the Americas|last=Conner |first=Randy P. |authorlink= |author2=Sparks, David Hatfield |year=2004 |publisher=Haworth Press |location= |isbn=978-1-56023-351-0}}
* {{cite book |title= Boy Wives and Female Husbands: Studies of African Homosexualities, edited by Stephen O. Murray and Will Roscoe}}

{{LGBTQ fiction}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:African Diasporic Mythologies}}
[[Category:LGBTQ in Benin]]
[[Category:LGBTQ in Brazil]]
[[Category:LGBTQ in Cuba]]
[[Category:LGBTQ in Haiti]]
[[Category:LGBTQ themes in mythology|*]]
[[Category:LGBTQ topics in the African diaspora]]