Pride month is almost coming to an end. We have seen corporations eager to show how supportive they are of the queer community by either changing their logos to rainbow colours or putting out pride merchandise. Sadly, we have seen how these performances of allyship end quickly after pride month.
For many queer individuals in different parts of the world though, pride month is not all rainbows and pink sunshine, their lives do not become easier during the month of pride or afterwards. Currently several African countries have anti-gay laws in place and are deliberating new bills to further criminalise the existence of queer and transgender folks. Queer folks continue to endure discrimination and harassment and recently there’s been increased violence against trans folks.
While gestures of support and visible images of solidarity are nice, these are never enough. Allyship and support means nothing if it doesn’t go directly to members of the queer community who are marginalised and at an economic disadvantage. This is why we have compiled an inexhaustive list of organisations in Nigeria that not only cater to the needs of queer folks but are fighting for a grand scale systemic and policy change. Put your money where your mouth is and support the following organisations not just during the month of pride but every step of the way.
- The Initiative for Equal Rights (“TIERS“): TIERS is a non-profit organisation working to create a society where human rights are guaranteed regardless of status, identity, orientation and affiliation. They seek to protect, uphold and promote the rights and humanity of all Nigerians through advocacy, empowerment, education, and the provision of safe platforms of convergence. They currently provide queer Nigerians with free therapy, free medical consultations, tests and checkups as well as financial assistance in cases of unforeseen and dangerous situations requiring immediate action.
- Intersex Nigeria: Intersex Nigeria is a body by and for people with intersex variations. They promote the human rights, self-determination and bodily autonomy of intersex people in Nigeria. Their work focuses on building community and capacity, educating and creating awareness about what is means to be intersex.
- Living Free UK (“LFUK“): LFUK is a community that aims to validate the lived experience of LGBTQ+ Africans, asylum seekers and refugees. They provide queer asylum seekers and refugees in the UK with free therapy, food vouchers and a safe space to network, interact and socialise with other community members.
- International Centre for Advocacy on Right to Health (“ICARH”): ICARH is an independent initiative with the main purpose of contributing to policy issues affecting the rights of sexual minorities and people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, through research, analysis, training, awareness campaign development and advocacy.
- Queer Union For Economic and Social Transformation (“QUEST”): QUEST is a coalition of radical queer Nigerians fighting to end the economic and social oppression of queer people in Nigeria. So far, they have raised funds for trans Nigerians to access gender affirming hormones and have been involved in grassroot organising against the repressive laws in Nigeria.
- The Advocacy for Wellbeing Development (“ADWB“): ADWB (formerly known as One Action Foundation) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded to empower and improve the well-being of vulnerable LGBTQI+ persons in Nigeria through psychosocial support, socioeconomic support, communications and research. They currently provide free therapy, and donate material resources to safe houses across the country. They are currently trying to set up free temporary safe housing and a scholarship fund for queer Nigerians.
