Photo by Aleksandra B. on Unsplash
Ivani Greppi and I have been writing a series of articles on the rise of African diaspora religions in America today and their influence on American society. The religions discussed in the articles include Santeria, Palo Mayombe, and Haitian Voodoo. All of these religions originate from the Ifá divination system of Yorubaland in West Africa. The focus of this article will be on Santeria as “the gay religion” as argued by Raven Morgaine in his 2021 book Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess, and Queen of the Sea. The same deities (orishas) worshiped in Ifá are also worshiped in Santeria. Yemeya, the major water spirit from the Yoruba religion, is often depicted as a mermaid in Santeria to symbolize her deep connection to the river and the sea. And sadly, the mermaid has become a prominent archetype for the transgender, and thus the drag queen community.
rainbowapologetics.com 