title: Gay Xhosa men's experiences of ulwaluko (traditional male initiation).
abstract: This paper explores the lives of gay men undergoing traditional initiation in the Eastern Cape. Nine participants aged between 18 and 26 reported their reasons for becoming traditionally circumcised, which included personal validation of cultural manhood, the desire to conform to societal norms and expectations, and pressure from family members to 'convert' them to heterosexuality. While homosexuality remains a target for vilification and abuse both in Southern Africa and across the African continent, practices such as ulwaluko (traditional male initiation) must surely be among the most threatening to a young gay Xhosa man's self-esteem.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Fort Hare , East London , South Africa.
authors.forename: Anathi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ntozini
authors.forename: Hlonelwa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ngqangweni
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People; D002944:Circumcision, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D066262:Social Norms
keywords: Beliefs; South Africa; cultural practices; gay men; ulwaluko