Female-to-Female Marriages in Igbo Culture vs. Same-s£x Marriages: Setting The Records Straight

With reputable media, scholars, and others claiming that same-s£x marriages were part of Igbo culture, many people have bought into it hook, line, and sinker. However, it's crucial 'to get the monkey's hand out of the soup before it becomes that of a human!' 

Marriage has been an important institution in human societies throughout history and across cultures. Marriage is very important in the Igbo culture of Southeastern Nigeria. However, it is critical to understand that female-to-female marriages and same-s£x marriages are distinct concepts, each with their own historical context, motivations, and implications. In this essay, we will examine the differences between these two types of unions, focusing on their cultural, social, and practical implications.

Historicity and Context

Female-to-Female Marriages

• Historical Roots: Female-to-female marriages have deep historical roots in Igbo society. These unions were recognized and practiced long before colonialism and Western norms became prevalent.
• Purpose: Female-to-female marriages emerged primarily as a solution to address gender role challenges. Female-to-female marriages enabled the continuation of lineage and family estate in families without male heirs, where inheritance was traditionally passed down the male line.
• Role Reversal: In these unions, a woman assumed the role of a "male husband," providing economic support and fulfilling the responsibilities typically assigned to men. The "female husband" would marry a woman, with the goal of producing offspring who would carry on the family name.

Same-s£x Marriages

• Legalization and Global Trends: More than two dozen countries now recognize same-s£x marriages. However, married same-s£x couples continue to be less common than heterosexual couples.
• Diverse Motivations: Same-s£x marriages can occur between men and women. They are founded on love, companionship, and common life goals rather than solely on procreation or lineage preservation.
• Challenges and Progress: Although legal progress has been made, opposition remains in several regions. The debate over same-s£x marriage reflects cultural diversity and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.

Arguments for Distinction

1. Purpose
   • Female-to-Female Marriages: These are primarily intended to preserve lineage and pass down inheritance.
   • Same-s£x Marriages: Built on emotional connection, companionship, and shared life experiences.
   • Female-to-Female Marriages (gender): Ala' Igbo prohibits male-to-male unions; how could such a union be conceived? 
   • Same-s£x Marriages (gender): Males are attracted to each other, and s£xual attraction serves as a foundation for the union. 
2. Gender Roles
   • Female-to-Female Marriages: Involve role reversal, in which a woman assumes responsibilities traditionally assigned to men.
   • Same-s£x marriages do not necessarily challenge traditional gender roles; instead, they emphasize emotional bonds.
3. s£xual Attraction
   • Female-to-Female Marriages: They are not founded on s£xual attraction or romantic love; rather, they serve practical purposes.
   • Same-s£x Marriages: Are founded on love and attraction, regardless of gender.
4. Cultural Context
   • Female-to-Female Marriages: Historical precedents for Igbo cultural practices.
   • Same-s£x Marriages: Reflect global trends and shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.

Rights and Marital Fidelity

• Rights: Although unconventional, female-to-female marriages were accepted in Igbo culture. However, same-s£x marriages face legal and social challenges due to prevailing norms.
• Marital Fidelity: Female-to-female marriages prioritized lineage continuity over romantic fidelity. Emotional bonds and commitment are central to same-s£x marriages.

Conclusion

While both female-to-female marriages and same-s£x marriages involve unions between women, their motivations, historical contexts, and implications are quite different. Recognizing these distinctions is critical for avoiding conflating the two concepts. Female-to-female marriages, which are based on Igbo tradition, should not be confused with same-s£x marriages, which transcend cultural boundaries and prioritize romantic love and companionship. Understanding these nuances as narratives evolve is essential for respectful discourse and accurate representation in media and scholarly discussions.

Credit - Eze Uwaezuoke