#PridePowWow: Being a Gay Sangoma

The calling is something that does not come to all of us, but a select few. In the stigmatised world we live in, that calling already comes with its own judgement. Now imagine becoming a queer sangoma/spiritual healer.

Nia Brown and Mthaux recently spoke to Mandla, who is gay and a sangoma, to find out how it has affected his life.

Mandla mentioned that he received his calling in the year 2000, stating, “I was 15.”

Mandla says that he being gay was not a problem for his parents and that it has not interfered or hampered his connection with his ancestors.

Mthaux asked if dating was a challenge, Mandla responded saying that it is very difficult having an active love life in his situation. He stated that the stigma around dating a spiritual healer really does affect his relationships. His prospective romantic partners have previously feared that he may use his calling to his advantage in the relationship.

There still needs to be more education on being a spiritual healer and what that entails, especially when it comes to responsibilities that they carry.

Stream this #PridePowWow podcast here: