Conceptualising sexuality in the Mexican martial art of Xilam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Empirical research into Mexican sexuality has problematised the ‘issues’ accompanying sexual behaviour, but has yet to conceptualise sexuality as part of a culturally specific worldview. The Mexican martial art Xilam is inspired by the pre-Columbian Mesoamerican warriors of the Mexica, Maya and Zapotec in an effort to create a human development system for contemporary Mexicans. This chapter draws from an ethnography of Xilam that utilises Mexica (Nahua/Aztec) philosophy, cultural critique and Mesoamerican anthropology in order to examine: (1) how sexuality is conceptualised within this community’s broader philosophical paradigm, and (2) the ways in which this conceptualisation can lead to alternative views on the body, sexual identity and gender. Analysis of interviews with Xilam instructors and their official media demonstrate how the community contrasts the colonial past with a postcolonial potential inspired by their pre-Hispanic past. Overall, Xilam illustrates the potential for a conceptual, postcolonial approach as a basis for studying sexuality in sport in Mexico and Latin America.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLesbian, gay and transgender athletes in Latin America
EditorsJ. Piedra, E. Anderson
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages75-97
ISBN (Electronic)9783030873752
ISBN (Print)9783030873745
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Dec 2021

Publication series

NamePalgrave Studies in Masculinity, Sport and Exercise
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
ISSN (Print)2662-740X
ISSN (Electronic)2662-7418

Keywords

  • martial arts
  • Mexico
  • sexuality
  • philosophy
  • Indigenous knowledges

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