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Appendix A: Cuban Sexual Values and African Religious Beliefs, by Tom
- Temple University Press
- Chapter
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~PP~NDIX ~ Cuban Sexual Values and African Religious Beliefs by Tomas Fernandez Robaina It has been argued that there are no basic differences between Spanish and African attitudes toward sexuality, particularly with respect to the machista positions contained in the religious creeds or cults of African origin that are practiced in Cuba. The practice of the Sociedad Secreta Abakui, which is solely made up of men (known as abakutis or fiafiigos), is particularly instructive on this matter. The slightest sign ofeffeminacy, or even the suspicion that a person is homosexual, is enough to deny him membership or prompt his expulsion. This prohibition does not mean that an abakuti cannot have sexual contact with a homosexual, always provided that the abakuti acts as the "male" or active partner. It is said that there was a famous abakuti, much respected by his hierarchy, who died of old age without ever having been known to have had sex with women while the Tomas Fernandez Robaina is a specialist in Cuban bibliography and in Cuban racial studies. He has written Et negro en Cuba: 1900-1958 (Havana: Editorial de Ciencias Sociales, 1990) (the forthcoming English edition will extend its coverage to 1990); and Hab/en pateros y santeros (Havana: Editorial de Ciencias Sociales, 1994)ยท Copyrightoo1'l'aterial 206 Appendix A contrary was true with respect to men. The machista values upheld by the fiafiigos are undoubtedly an influence on many men raised in the barrios adjoining the docks of Havana, Matanzas, and Cardenas in particular; these are the sites of most of the tierras or plantes fiafiigas -that is, the spiritual centers ofthose who practice fiafiiguismo. It should be stressed that the Sociedad Secreta Abakua is not really considered to be a religion or creed as is the case with the Regia de Palo, the Regia de Ocha, and the Regia de Ifa. The Regia de Palo (originating in the Bantu culture), in contrast to the Sociedad Secreta Abakua, allows homosexuals some limited participation in its rituals, such as receiving counsel or doing some work for it, but it prohibits them from being initiated and consecrated as paleros or priests, whereas the office is open to women. Yet according to recent research, for quite a while there have been some homosexual paleros, who are much criticized by conservative and orthodox priests. In general, homosexuals do not feel that the rituals of the Regia de Palo discriminate against them completely. Instead they regard their exclusion from some activities as a practice passed on by custom, tradition, and religious dogma. On the other hand, the Regia de Ocha or Santeria seems to be the most open ofall the Afro-Cuban creeds about gender and sexual orientation . That accounts for the visibility of large numbers of male and female homosexuals who have been initiated as santeros or'who are simply believers. Still, some ritual ceremonies may not be carried out by santera women, such as becoming ariatis (akin to shamans) and slaughtering four-legged animals. This prohibition does notapply to homosexual santeros who play the "active" role. Likewise, effeminate males are not allowed to participate in the playing of Reglamento drums. Quite recently, the role of women within the Regia de Ocha has begun to be debated in Cuba. In the main, the restrictions on women have been seen not as discrimination but as a show of respect for tradition, so as to preserve and pass on Yoruba beliefs. The same argument is put forward in response to the limited participation of women in the Regia de Ifa (a special cult within Santeria) and its total prohibition against homosexuals becoming babalaas (or priests). In this respect, a female who has received Kofa, the hand of Orula Copyrighted Material [54.198.45.0] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 00:46 GMT) Appendix A 207 for women, is only allowed to become an apetabi, the wife of the babalao who helps prepare the room in which the rituals will take place but who is excluded from the babalao's basic initiation ceremonies. Ofcourse there cannot be a rule without an exception. Despite the fact that the Regia de Ifa is so insistent upon prohibiting homosexuals from becoming babalaos, homosexuals can receive the hand of Orula and as such they may consult and receive the attention of a good babalao. Furthermore, some babalaos are known to be homosexual . How can this be? Quite simply they were initiated when they were too young to have acquired a sexual orientation, so that...