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Abstract
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Male homosexuality occurs very widely, but the extent to which it becomes a social problem varies with the attitudes taken towards it. A sharp distinction between the active and the passive homosexual may be made and either one become the object of strong social condemnation, while the other is given a recognized role in society. Among certain American Indian tribes, the passive homosexual has been protected, encouraged to adopt the social and sexual roles of women, sometimes to assume sacred responsibilities, and sometimes allowed to cultivate with social approval the lewd conduct attributed to professional prostitutes. The active homosexual, however, who sought young partners, was an object of contempt. In northern Brazil unusual circumstances encourage certain of the passive homosexuals to forge a new and respected status for themselves, especially in the "condomble" cults. Worship revolves around some 10 West African gods with all female priesthoods. Men considered normal are debarred from priesthood, whereas homosexual males are admitted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
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