Scott, Lwando2021-01-112021-01-112020Scott, L. (2021). Inxeba (The Wound), Queerness and Xhosa Culture. Journal of African Cultural Studies ,33(1), 26-381369-681510.1080/13696815.2020.1792278https://hdl.handle.net/10566/5625This article focuses on the controversy caused by the release of the film Inxeba (The Wound). Inxeba depicts a complex intersection of rites of passage, masculinities, queerness and the relationships between men in a homosocial environment within a Xhosa cultural setting. I argue that the subject matter of same-sex intimacy in the film challenges dominant constructions of Xhosa masculinities by going to the foundation of dominant Xhosa masculinities, namely the male initiation process. The film poses a challenge to Xhosa culture by boldly asking: what is the position of Xhosa culture on same-sex intimacies? The film depicts same-sex intimacy that takes place in one of the most sacred of Xhosa cultural spaces. In the article, the film is analysed as a conversation initiator, through which ideas about same-sex desire, Xhosa culture and ultimately African sexuality can be scrutinised and debated.enInxebaMasculinityQueerSame-sex desireXhosa cultureArticle