Reclaiming the Narrative: Gender, Sexuality, and Music in Pre-Contact Indigenous Civilizations and Afro-Latine Countries

This article explores the profound impact of colonialism on gender, sexuality, and musical traditions of pre-contact Indigenous civilizations and Afro-Latine countries. Colonial powers not only disrupted these vibrant cultures but also systematically sought to erase them. Colonial powers obliterated musical traditions and silenced women and femme-presenting individuals, forcing them to mirror the values and culture of the conquerors. Despite extensive historical erasure, evidence from archaeological finds and archival materials suggests that these individuals played pivotal roles, with contributions likely equal to those of cis-gender, heterosexual men. This research reconstructs a more accurate narrative of pre-contact Indigenous music, highlighting the significance of gender fluidity and non-binary identities in these societies. Furthermore, the study discusses contemporary efforts to decolonize Afro-Latine music traditions, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming marginalized voices in the ongoing struggle for social justice, cultural pride, and educational equity.