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Abstract
This article examines everyday discussions of sexuality among practitioners ofSantería, an Afro-Cuban religious-cultural practice in the United States derived from Africa’s Yoruba tradition. Santería 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 Santería’s religious structure, the interception of gender and sexuality with Santería’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 Santería. GLB practitioners are inserted into the religious setting through a set of roles or perceived responsibilities within Santería. This research elucidates newer ways of thinking about religion that incorporate discussions of sexuality.
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Department of Sociology, American University, Battelle-Tompkins Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 20016, Washington, DC
Salvador Vidal-Ortiz
- Salvador Vidal-Ortiz
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Correspondence toSalvador Vidal-Ortiz.
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Vidal-Ortiz, S. Sexuality discussions in santería: A case study of religion and sexuality negotiation.Sex Res Soc Policy3, 52–66 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1525/srsp.2006.3.3.52
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