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Existing academic analyses of Santería portray it either as homophobic because of its hierarchical restrictions, or as the ultimate liberatory space for 'sexual minorities'. Meanwhile, complicated uses of homophobia circulate in Santería in ways often overlooked because of these aforementioned portrayals. This article examines constructions of homophobia as rooted in Whiteness/gayness, and how communities of color reproduce homophobia narratives. It then analyzes the charges of homophobia in relation to the everyday experiences and views among a group of US Santeros - many of whom are US ethnoracial minorities. I posit that national identity and ethno-racial background are key elements used by Santería practitioners in charging each other with homophobia. This argument has implications for the study of Santería spaces of worship, ethnic and racial studies, and sexualities more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how African ritual and spiritual influences in have become commodified in Puerto Rico. The author interlaces first person accounts of time spent in Puerto Rico with observations concerning the incorporation of African deities and religious objects with Latin American artistic expressions. The author also discusses colonial rule by Spanish Catholics, spiritism, and the African spiritual tradition known as santería.