Homosexuality in Vodou

COPYRIGHT 1996 - Mambo Racine Sans Bout
No reproduction without consent of author

In Vodou, homosexuals are not barred from any religious activity. They may participate in religious services, and even become initiates and clergy people. It is true that there is some stigma associated with homosexuality in Haiti, but it does not take the form of the virulent hatred evident in Jamaica, for example, where homosexual individuals may be the victims of mob killings. Especally among the poorer classes, where lack of living space and privacy makes sexual orientation obvious, the feeling is rather that Mother Nature has somehow played a sort of "practical joke" on the person.

Homosexual men are considered almost by definition to be under the patronage of Erzulie Freda, the lwa of love and luxury. She is most feminine and coquettish, providing an opportunity for stereotypical homosexual behavior to be exhibited in a sacred context. Homosexual women are considered very often to be under the patronage of Erzulie Dantor, who, while heterosexual in the sense that she has a child, is a fierce and strong female image. Many people think of Dantor herself as a lesbian woman, but she is also the wife of both Ti-Jean Petro and Simbi Makaya, two very important lwa.

Because open homosexuals are rigorously excluded from Protestant congregations, and frowned upon in Catholic services, almost the only avenue for spiritual expression for homsexuals in Haiti is Vodou. There is, therefore, a higher percentage of homosexuals at Vodou ceremonies, and in the priesthood, than in the general population.

At a few peristyles in Port-au-Prince, composed entirely of gay men, or of gay women, homosexuality is virtually an entrance requirement. I know one Mambo, a lesbian, who has several lovers among her female hounsis. They band together economically, doing small marketing and other activities to assure their mutual survival.

I had another experience, of a young man, a folkloric dancer who was a friend of mine, who asked me to be his marinn kanzo, or godmother. (This is different from an initiating Mambo, who is called maman asson, mother of the asson, the ceremonial rattle emblematic of priesthood.) I visited the young man in seclusion in the djevo, the secret inner chamber of the peristyle where initiates are secluded - and was promptly forced to abandon him as a godchild, as he was wearing the prescribed clothes of the opposite sex! Incorrect procedure, rather than homosexuality per se, forced me to take this action.

It is worth remembering that at a Vodou ceremony, any person may be possessed by any lwa, regardless of the sex of the lwa or the person. Homosexual men, especially initiates, are frequently possessed by female lwa including Erzulie Freda. I remember one six-foot-two Houngan who was the mount for a lwa named Sainte Therese! The Mambo I mentioned above had a very martial Ogoun in her head, and his presence at ceremonies was absolutely thrilling. The dancing of homosexual men in particular is often much admired, as they combine the muscular strength of men with the voluptuousness of women. Some overenthusiastic homosexual Houngans have actually been known to carry dresses with them when they visit at other Houngans' ceremonies, so that their lwa will be properly clothed if they should appear.

Houngans and Mambos have particular passwords, and specific gestures performed with the asson. Homosexual Houngans and Mambos have additional gestures which permit them to recognize one another.

The presence of homosexuals in a congregation is considered morally neutral - the important criterion is that the correct ceremonial procedures are followed in any aspect of the Vodou service.