Paper short abstract:

Through an exploration of the work of queer performer Yuck Miranda and testimonials/photographs of queer artists and activists in the recently published 'Outros Corpos Nossos', this paper argues that dance opens up a range of possibilities through which queer Mozambicans are building queer worlds.

Paper long abstract:

In 2021, Mozambican queer actor and performer Yuck Miranda undertook an exploration of indigenous sexualities in Mozambique through the words, rhythms and origins of traditional songs. Taking lived contemporary queerness as his starting point, Miranda danced into view a vision of a pre-colonial queer identity that has, he argues, been preserved by the traditional music and dance of Mozambique and its southern African neighbours. In the same year as Miranda’s residency, an exhibition took place in Maputo based on photographs from the newly launched book: 'Outros Corpos Nossos' (Other Bodies of Ours). In the book, queer artists and activists describe the power of dance that allows them to find, free, and accept themselves.

Drawing on the work of Miranda and the testimonials and photographs in 'Outros Corpos Nossos', this paper argues that dance, in the way it is utilised in the above examples (i) as a way in which to uncover and expose indigenous queer histories in Mozambique, and (ii) as a way in which to empower, opens up a range of possibilities through which queer Mozambicans are effectively building queer worlds and imagining queer futures.