'I've got two men and one woman' : ancestors, sexuality and identity among same-sex identified women traditional healers in South Africa

R. Morgan, G. Reid

This paper presents preliminary insights into the complex nature of the same-sex orientation of seven women who are sangomas (traditional healers) in Soweto. Data was derived from an ethnographic study, used as the appropriate methodology because of the veiled and secret nature of same-sexuality amongst traditional healers. In-depth semi-structured interviews were taped in audio or video format, transcribed and translated into English. A close reading of the transcripts in relation to notions of gender, agency, kinship, community and power revealed that the belief system of the sangomas provides a window into different categories of sexuality in an African framework through which the interaction and intersection of their personal same-sex desire, and that of their male ancestors, can be viewed. Sangomas construction of identity and desire shifted between that of personal agency and that of a dominant male ancestor. This required constant negotiation and encompassed elements of both the 'modern' and 'traditional'. In the case of these sangomas, same-sexuality the basis of marginality assumes a social status and becomes a source of power.