In contemporary Australia, the term "sistergirl" refers to an Indigenous woman who identifies as both female and male and who experiences romantic attraction primarily towards women. Sistergirls often experience unique challenges when it comes to negotiating their desires for intimate relationships and spiritual belonging within their traditional cultures. This is due in part to the colonial history of Australia, which has led to a disruption in traditional gender roles and sexual practices among Aboriginal communities.
Many sistergirls are now reclaiming their cultural heritage and finding ways to reconcile their sexuality and spirituality through creative expression, community engagement, and individual exploration.
One way that sistergirls are reconnecting with their cultural traditions is through storytelling and performance art.
Kyeema Gondarra is a Yorta Yorta sistergirl who uses her music to explore themes of identity, love, and community. Her songs draw upon traditional Aboriginal instruments like the didgeridoo and clapsticks while also incorporating modern pop and rock elements. By combining these different musical styles, she is able to create a sound that speaks to both her own personal experiences and the larger struggles of Aboriginal people in Australia.
Another way that sistergirls are connecting with their culture is through language revitalization efforts. Many Aboriginal languages have rich vocabularies related to gender, sexuality, and spirituality that have been suppressed or lost over time. By learning these words and using them in everyday conversation, sistergirls can reaffirm their connection to their ancestors and create new spaces for self-expression.
The Wiradjuri language includes terms such as "ngalgan" (woman) and "mangan" (man), which can be used interchangeably to describe a person's gender identity. This allows for a more fluid understanding of gender within the context of Indigenous Australian culture.
Many sistergirls are turning to ceremonial practices to explore their sexuality and spirituality. In some communities, rituals like smoking ceremonies and cleansing ceremonies provide opportunities for deep reflection and connection with the land. These activities allow sistergirls to connect with their bodies, spirits, and environment in a holistic way that can enrich their sense of belonging.
Despite these positive developments, there are still challenges facing Aboriginal sistergirls when it comes to reconciling their desires for intimacy and spirituality. Colonialism has led to widespread discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Australia, including violence, homelessness, and lack of access to healthcare.
Christian missionaries have worked to erase traditional belief systems in favor of Western ideals, leading to a disruption in cultural traditions around sex and gender. Despite these obstacles, however, many sistergirls are finding ways to reclaim their identities and express themselves in powerful and meaningful ways.
How do Aboriginal Australian sistergirls reconcile erotic desire, sexual intimacy, and spiritual belonging across intersecting cultural, religious, and colonial influences?
Aboriginal Australian sistergirls face challenges when they attempt to reconcile their erotic desires with their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices. This is particularly true given the historical context of colonization, which has led to the loss of traditional knowledge and disruption of social structures and relationships within Indigenous communities.