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`The Puerto Rican Way is More Tolerant': Constructions and Uses of `Homophobia' among Santería Practitioners Across Ethno-Racial and National Identification

American University, Washington, DC, USA, vidalort{at}american.edu

Existing academic analyses of Santería portray it either as homophobic because of its hierarchical restrictions, or as the ultimate liberatory space for `sexual minorities'. Meanwhile, complicated uses of homophobia circulate in Santería in ways often overlooked because of these aforementioned portrayals. This article examines constructions of homophobia as rooted in Whiteness/gayness, and how communities of color reproduce homophobia narratives. It then analyzes the charges of homophobia in relation to the everyday experiences and views among a group of US Santeros — many of whom are US ethno-racial minorities. I posit that national identity and ethno-racial background are key elements used by Santería practitioners in charging each other with homophobia. This argument has implications for the study of Santería spaces of worship, ethnic and racial studies, and sexualities more broadly.

Key Words: ethno-racial • homophobia • national • people of color • Santería

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