Art De La Guerre

[Aemilianus]

What is the purpose of a Sacred Camp..?

[lionelrus]

GAIN one army cohesion point at low cost. But it must be protected.
_________________
"Quand on a pas de technique, faut y aller à la zob"
Perceval à Yvain et Gauvain.

[Gouttedereve]

Hello,
That's an interesting question. A Sacred Camp is a term used by some scholars to describe a phenomenon of transgendered faith in a Philippine festival called Ati-Atihan. This festival is held every January in Kalibo, Aklan, to honor the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus. It involves a lot of dancing, drumming, and dressing up in colorful costumes. Some participants, especially gay men and transwomen, dress up as women or as hybrid beings, and perform acts of devotion to the Santo Niño. They call themselves the Sacred Campers, and they claim to have a special connection with the Child Jesus, who is also seen as a gender-bender.
According to some researchers, the Sacred Camp is a way of expressing one's identity, sexuality, and spirituality in a creative and playful manner. It is also a way of challenging the norms and expectations of the Catholic Church and the Philippine society, which are often homophobic and transphobic. The Sacred Campers use humor, irony, and exaggeration to subvert the dominant discourses and to celebrate their difference. They also use their faith as a source of empowerment and protection from discrimination and violence.
I hope this helps. Have a nice day !