Alex is a Haitian Vodou Priest - a podcast by Avery Smith

There are fewer than 5 known transgender priests in the Haitian Vodou religion, and as far as he knows Alex Batagi (initiated under the name Bonkira Bon Oungan, "what is good is rare") is the only currently active one. With the guidance of his spiritual mother, Manbo Maude, his spirits, and his community, Houngan Alex has been able to take up the tools of Vodou -- healing, magic, and devotion to the lwa -- to fully recognize his identity as a trans man and work towards the ultimate goal of Vodou: balance in all areas for all people. 

In this episode, Alex discusses his growth from being a pastor's kid to an agnostic and finally to discovering Haitian Vodou right there in Boston. He has found that the lwa, the spirits, embrace and support his whole self. Alex also talks about what it's like to be a white and non-Haitian practitioner of Vodou, as well as the importance of spirituality and community to trans persons.

Where you can find Alex:

-- His blog - http://rockofeye.tumblr.com/

-- His Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/bonkirabonhoungan  

-- His sosyete's YouTube channel, where you can watch ceremonies - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTUPzo0khFiuUojjbA5mRw

Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7zrbOYpXN0FvcR5T41o3gPbfcbP1Z_RKDTPCm2oyKo/edit?usp=sharing 

Further episodes of Blessed Are the Binary Breakers

Further podcasts by Avery Smith

Website of Avery Smith