The modern gay rights movement began because of the activism of black members of the community. Through riots, marches, protests and raising their voices, queer persons have constantly raised awareness and brought about change. Earlier movements of queer people focused on self-help and self-acceptance, such as the homophile movement of the 1950s. Over 60 decades after, Nigerians are still calling for the same ‘self-help and self-acceptance’
LGBT community in Nigeria have constantly been raided for being perceived gay, in a twitter post, Gay Rights activist Matthew Blaise shared his experience on being harassed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for being perceived gay. “I said I wasn’t going to come back to twitter because I’m going through a lot right now but apparently, the worse happened today. I was arrested by the police for being ‘perceived’ gay. Fam, they all yelled at me. Dragging my ears and my hair. Preached to me.
I said I wasn’t going to come back to twitter because I’m going through a lot rn but apparently, the worse happened today. I was arrested by the police for being ‘perceived’ gay.
Fam, they all yelled at me. Dragging my ears and my hair. Preached to me. pic.twitter.com/SO4sdyUKtX
— Son of the Rainbow AKA LGBTQ+ CLASS CAPTAIN🏳️🌈 (@Blaise_21) July 10, 2020
Matthew’s story is one of the many instances where queer Nigerians are assaulted, attacked, and harmed by the Nigerian police who deliberately seek out young adults who they ‘perceive as gay’. The country has recently seen an uproar against the known and highly reported notorious unit of the police, SARS with protest rising across the country calling for an end to the police unit. Queer persons within the country are using this opportunity to show resilience and courage, saying ‘End Police Brutality, Queer Lives Matter
In a video, now, with over 3 million views gay rights activist can be seen chanting ‘Queer Lives Matter’ dressed in a tied top to form a crop-top. This may look simple but in a country addressed as the most homophobic country in the world, it takes a lot of courage not only to be dressed as what many Nigerians would perceive gay but to publicly chant and hold placards that boldly state ‘Queer Lives Matter’ in public. However, Matthew is not the only one speaking up as other Queer Nigerians have also come out with placards, and inscriptions to speak for their rights.
Yell it in your streets. We get killed for being queer. It’s crazy pic.twitter.com/KIGaaGbKk7
— Son of the Rainbow AKA LGBTQ+ CLASS CAPTAIN🏳️🌈 (@Blaise_21) October 10, 2020
How homophobic is Nigeria?
On the 7th of January, 29014 Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, signed the Same-Sex Marriage Bill (SSMPA) into law. The purpose of the SSMPA is to prohibit marriage between persons of the same sex.
The law forbids any cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners and bans any “public show of same-sex amorous relationship.” and imposes a 10-year prison sentence on anyone who “registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organization” or “supports” the activities of such organizations. Punishments range from 10 to 14 years in prison. While in the Northern part of the country, which operates on Sharia law, capital punishment for homosexuality is a death sentence.
Queer folks, human rights defenders and critics of the law have publicly stated their displeasure with the SSMPA and have made different calls for it to be repealed. They say it has empowered individuals to take the law into their own hands while enabling a system that robs, extorts, humiliates, and shame LGBT Nigerians.
There is no denying that the SSMPA has created a climate of fear amongst LGBT people in the country and contributed to their constant harassment. This has also led to a culture of impunity for police and members of the general public as no one gets prosecuted for MOB attacks or harassment against LGBT people in the country.
Where Queer rights meet #EndSars Protest
The current movement for equal rights, safety, and protection of Nigerian youths is a fight for all Nigerian youths and this includes, lesbians, gay, trans, and non-gender conforming, individuals in the country. Even though it may seem like the country’s cishet population are at the forefront of the movement, it is important to note that queer voices are just as strong, considering that the Nigerian Police, especially the SARS unit, has constantly arrested people across the country on the basis of them being ‘perceived gay.’
Na fine I Fine I no kill person #ENDSARSOPPRESSION #Queerlivesmatter #qpoc 🏳️🌈 #SARSMUSTENDNOW pic.twitter.com/WAUFUnm1UB
— Four Eyed Beau 🏳️🌈 (@_manlikeola) October 13, 2020
How can I help?
The basic way to help Queer Nigerians is by acknowledging they exist, reading up and amplifying their voices. Queer persons have constantly been fighting for their rights to exist with various NGO organisations such as The Initiative for Equal Rights among others. A lot of these organisations have avenues through which you can donate and support the work that they are doing.
The fight towards #EndSars does not exclude Nigeria’s LGBT community and queer people are ensuring that their voices are heard. This may not look like a major step but it is the first time Nigeria has seen members of the community openly protest on the streets for their rights. There are many ladders towards liberation and as the community presses on, the chant remains #QueerLivesMatter.
Enioluwa Adeoluwa is a writer, who specializes in covering fashion and contemporary pop culture. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @enioluwaofficial.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed by the Writer are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Rustin Times.
