Nigerian Twitter went on a frenzy when it seemed like one of Nigeria’s beloved rappers was taking a stand for the LGBT community. In an episode of Middle Ground, MI called Nigeria’s anti-gay law stupid. He, alongside April Maey and Wendy Akomolafe-Kalu, were discussing the incident where a Taxify driver sexually assaulted a customer because she told him she was a lesbian. In discussing this, MI made his thoughts known on the ridiculousness of the law. As expected, the news took social media by storm, with many asking if MI was a closeted gay man.
What was interesting to see was that MI didn’t back down from his position. He maintained that it was ridiculous to criminalize sexual behavior.
My thinking.. I was born straight.. I wd never want 2b punished 4 who I am.. because of this.. I wouldn’t punish som1 else for who they are https://t.co/mrTFpkaze5
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) August 7, 2017
Cheating and adultery are wrong.. but they are not criminalized.. and no form of consensual adult expression of love should be.. my opinion https://t.co/mrTFpkaze5
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) August 7, 2017
I’m not arguing that there should be.. I have and am only attracted to women.. I am also a Christian that aspires to Gods teaching on sex https://t.co/dGr3rB9kuc
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) August 7, 2017
My point is that there should be an allowance for choice in the law.. I’m not advocating changing beliefs.. I am advocating changing law https://t.co/dGr3rB9kuc
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) August 7, 2017
I know this topic is sensitive.. and offends many people.. however let us share views w respect and yearning for knowledge.i want 2 learn 2
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) August 7, 2017
On August 6th,
Did you learn heterosexuality??? Or is it how you were born? https://t.co/lNrGBzUfHk
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) August 6, 2017
While some in the LGBT community have rejoiced at the fact that MI is speaking on an issue that many celebrities would rather stay mute on, critics in the community are counting down to when he will bow to the pressure. Citing examples like Eugene Peterson and others who have retracted their statements supporting the community, they are not optimistic because M.I. compared homosexuality to cheating and adultery.
I get why people have their doubts. It’s unexpected that someone from the hip-hop community is showing their support. I also understand the argument that M.I. isn’t well knowledgeable on these issues, but that is why I think he will make the perfect ally.
Conversations around sexuality and the LGBT community in Nigeria are most times dismissed. Mainstream media will report it as abnormal. In public spaces, the argument is usually that homosexuality is a Western import, and it’s only a few people who ‘practice the act.’
The good thing is that M.I. is ready to have the conversation. He knows he doesn’t have all the answers, but he doesn’t mind getting educated. More importantly, he knows that the law is a problem for the community and will harm everyone in the long run. I think that is good enough.
Maybe this is the time to engage M.I. Pop Culture has a way of influencing public thought, and perhaps we need celebrities to help change the narrative of the LGBT community in Nigeria. In one of his tweets, M.I. stated, “I’m not advocating changing beliefs. I am advocating changing the law.” He adds, “Let us share views with respect and yearning for knowledge. I want to learn, too.” The hope is that in learning, we can change his beliefs.
We need more celebrities to speak up for the community. They have access to public officials, millions of fans listening to every word they say, colleagues, friends, employees, and siblings who are in the community. This is not an LGBT issue; it is a national one.
M.I Abaga is one of the allies the Nigerian LGBT community needs, and we need to engage him now.
