Affects, sexualities and resignifications in Africa and Brazil: queer of colour bodies

Abstract

Considering the complexities in the ways of life on the African continent, this study aims to reflect on the different forms of affections and sexualities resignified in some of these territories, such as their traditions and modernity, relations among genders and performances. Based on theoretical-methodological assumptions, this work is guided by a literature review focusing on studies of Africans who bring perspectives of modernity in the face of gender violence and the ideas of harmony among the sexes, sexualities and affections, using the literature review specific and making a counterpoint with reflections from Brazil. In this context, polygamy, marriage, matriarchy and the gender role are taken as phenomena that coexist with the denial of homosexual sexualities, and how they are made invisible. In the outcomes: “there are no such things in Africa!”, are voices that proclaim heteronormativity as the only possibility of the relationship of affections on the continent, resignifying the tradition in dealing with sexualities and affections in African territories. Is it possible to define the African continent as devoid of (homo)sexualities? Is it possible to establish homogeneities in their different cultures and peoples?