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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Defying a myth: a gay sub-culture in contemporary South Africa
Author:Rudwick, StephanieISNI
Year:2011
Periodical:Nordic Journal of African Studies (ISSN 1459-9465)
Volume:20
Issue:2
Pages:90-111
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:Zulu
homosexuality
ethnic identity
customs
External link:https://njas.fi/njas/article/view/185/176
Abstract:This paper addresses contemporary proclamations of Zuluness among a sub-group of gay Zulu men in South Africa through an interdisciplinary methodological approach. Against the sociohistorical manifestations of the myth of homosexuality as un-African, the paper addresses the reconciliation of Zuluness and Gayness among members of a particular gay Zulu sub-culture. The study draws from qualitative interviews and observation data gathered in the eThekwini region of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province between 2007 and 2010. The re-interpretation of traditional Zulu ethnicity and African/Zulu culture among gay Zulu men in contemporary KZN offers new insights into the fluid and flexible constructions of contemporary African ethnicities and suggests that Zulu essentialism is being challenged. The author argues that there are three main pillars upon which Zulu gay men in the KZN region primarily build their Zulu ethnic consciousness: firstly, the linguistic variety of isiNgqumo which derives its lexicon from an ancient isiZulu; secondly, the belief in the power of the 'amadlozi' (ancestors); and lastly, the adherence to the traditional custom of 'ukuhlonipha' (to show respect). Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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