Sokratis (Socrates), an
Orthodox Christian from Elbasan in central Albania, August 1991.
He told me about the practice of vėllamėria,
also known as adelphopoeia, pobratimstvo and bratotvorenie (English
translation here), a same-sex ceremony of
union common in parts of Albania and northwest Greece, which survived
both the anti-religious and anti-gay actions of the former communist
regime in Albania and continued to be performed in 1991 in Elbasan. He
lived with other Albanian emigres in Megara for awhile until the police
raided the house and he disappeared (this kind of harassment and
discrimination against Albanians was and is unfortunately quite common
in Greece). If anyone has any information regarding his current
whereabouts, it would be much appreciated. His wife remained in
Elbasan, Albania (Disclaimer: The mentioning of the information he
provided about ceremonies in Elbasan should not be construed as an
indication of his sexual orientation. Heterosexuality does not prevent
one from speaking about homosexual-related topics without prejudice, as
I have often found in speaking to Albanians from various parts of
Albania and Kosova).
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