Often, I am asked how homosexuals are treated within the Vodou tradition,
unlike other Afro-Carribean traditions, Vodou does not make an issue about homosexuality. Homosexuals are not treated
any different during Vodou ceremonies, and are not excluded from becoming Houngans and Mambos Asogwe. All ranks are
open to homosexuals and all ceremonies are open to homosexuals, as long as one has the rank.
There are all gay and lesbian peristyles in Haiti, where being homosexual
is a must to become a member. There are also crossdressers that participate in Vodou ceremonies. I met some in
PAP while attending a dance, and they were dressed in full female regalia. Long denim dresses, earings, kerchief, makeup
and sandals.
Homosexual men are said to be under the distinct patronage of the lwa
of femininity, Metres Ezili Freda Daome. Lesbian women most often serve Ezili Danto, who stands for the independent
hardworking women. I have also often heard, from Houngans and Mambos that homosexual Vodouisants get easily
possessed. I've gone to ceremonies, where indeed, homosexual men and women became possessed a very large amount
of times. The lwa do not discriminate against homosexual men and women either. Ogoun will possess a homosexual
man or woman just as much as he would a heterosexual man or woman. In fact, one Ogou, Ogou De Manye, is said to
be both heterosexual and homosexual at the same time, while also being extremely magickal.
While in Haitian culture it is different, it is not so in Vodou.
Homosexual men often have a female partner. Why? This is because even homosexuals are expected to have children.
Having children is very important because it is your children who will "gather one up" in old age. Lesbian women also
have men to have children.
Ginen is big, it is open to everyone!
