Traversing and embracing multiple identities
Ulwaluko and the gay community among the Xhosa in Mthatha
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6030892 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Puleng Moruri-Silo (0000-0001-7717-5560, Walter Sisulu University, corresponding author), Munyaradzi Mushonga (0000-0003-2840-8588, University of the Free State) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-16 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-13 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | African Identities (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1472-5843 • E-ISSN: 1472-5851 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/14725843.2025.2504479 |
| OpenAlex | W4410379902 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 30 |
This paper investigates how gay men in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, navigate their homosexual identities within the context of Ulwaluko, a Xhosa customary rite of passage. Despite the legalization of homosexuality in South Africa, religious and cultural traditions continue to prevent social acceptance of the practice. The paper highlights the challenges of the formation of a gay identity within Xhosa communities that follow hegemonic traditional masculine practices. It draws on interviews held with some members of the gay community in Mthatha in 2023, complemented by secondary literature. The results reveal that homosexual men experience a high rate of abuse and molestation in their families and communities, frequently at the hands of close relatives and powerful individuals. Due to societal biases and misunderstandings, this mistreatment continues, making gay men more vulnerable as they experience pressure to live up to heteronormative standards. The paper highlights how educational and awareness campaigns can promote a culture of acceptance of multiple identities. The paper makes an important contribution by unearthing almost forgotten stories of marginalised identities and offering possible interventions
Cartography · Geography · Linguistics · Political science · Sociology · Traverse · Xhosa · African history and culture studies · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Gender Studies
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |