My initial encounter with Fola Francis occurred in 2022 when I interviewed her for an article on Nigeria’s underground ballroom scene. Subsequently, we connected several times for additional articles, delving into topics concerning the trans community in Nigeria. Despite never meeting her in person, Fola consistently exuded warmth in our conversations. Through the voice notes she shared, her passion, joy, and aspirations for both herself and her community were palpably conveyed.
Who is Fola Francis? Fola, born on 18 March 1994, was not only a pioneering trans model but a multifaceted personality and activist that left an indelible mark in Nigeria’s LGBTQIA+ community. Her remarkable journey unfolded across various domains, making her an inspiring figure for many. In 2018 before coming into the spotlight, Fola Francis established her brand, named after her, a gender neutral ready to wear line which often featured educational messages on them as a way to cope with personal trauma from a kito incident. Before this, she contributed significantly to the Nigerian entertainment industry as a blogger and TV producer, showcasing her versatility.
In 2022, Fola etched her name in history by becoming the first out trans model to grace the prestigious Lagos Fashion Week runway, showcasing designs for Cute-Saint and Fruché. However, her groundbreaking appearance was met with resistance as the Lagos Fashion Week team, regrettably, decided against sharing any images of her, underscoring the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream spaces.
Fola was not just a model; she emerged as a vocal advocate for trans binary and non-binary issues in Nigeria. Her activism reached a global audience, especially during the introduction of the cross-dressing bill in the country, where she expressed deep-seated apprehensions about its implications for the trans and queer community at large. Engaging actively in the Nigerian ballroom scene, she took on roles as both a host and queen, striving to create a space reminiscent of ballroom culture—marked by safety, community, and positive representation.
Expanding her horizons further, Fola Francis delved into acting in 2023, taking on her first role in “14 Years And A Day,” a film by Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim and Ayo Lawson. Simultaneously, she harnessed the power of social media, particularly TikTok, to document her journey as a trans woman living in Nigeria, gaining popularity for her insightful “day in the life” videos.
In writing this article, my primary objective was to offer readers a comprehensive view of Fola, delving beyond the snippets seen on social media. I sought to capture Fola’s essence through the lens of those she held dear – her chosen family, the people who intimately knew and loved her.
“People use the phrase larger than life a lot but Fola was really that. She had such life to her that you felt her whenever she was around, when she walked into a room you just knew she was there. I loved how much of a main character she was, she took charge of her life. She lived fully and to the best of her ability, it was inspiring to see and taught me so much about living and loving and doing all of it fully and with all you have every day and every chance you get.
Being loved by Fola was amazing. You knew you were loved, you were sure of it because she reminded you every step of the way, and she showed you in as many ways as she could. Fola was also someone who tackled hard conversations in friendships and relationships deftly, carefully, heads on and with love.” – Vincent Desmond
“My friendship with Fola was a journey that evolved into a familial bond over the years. Beyond being my best friend, she assumed the role of the big sister I had always yearned for. Experiencing Fola’s love was an unparalleled joy, an assurance of safety regardless of the challenges that life presented.
Her exceptional capacity for love defined her, welcoming everyone into her embrace and ensuring we all felt genuinely cared for, earning her the endearing title of “mother” from all who knew her. Fola’s existence radiated a defiance against societal norms, always exuding a larger-than-life energy that left an indelible impact. Speaking of her in the past tense remains a cognitive challenge, a testament to the enduring presence she holds in my heart.” – Chisom Job
“There were countless aspects of Fola that I deeply admired, and the warmth of her love stirred a myriad of emotions within me. Fola possessed an innate generosity and selflessness that set her apart. Her willingness to go above and beyond for those she cared about and her community, even in the face of limited resources, was truly remarkable.
Her audacity and confidence were infectious, and our friendship became a source of inspiration for embracing these qualities in myself. Being on the receiving end of Fola’s love felt akin to a warm embrace. She embraced every facet of my being including my flaws – loving me unconditionally. As her friend, there was a continuous stream of reassurance and a profound sense of comfort. Now, in her absence, I cherish and hold onto these feelings as a constant reminder of the love and warmth she shared” – Franklin Ugo
Beyond the glamour and the spotlight, Fola actively participated in LGBTQ+ panels, collaborating with various NGOs and queer organisations independently. Notably, she initiated Dolls Activities, a trans-focused initiative aimed at fostering community and support.
Desmond mentioned earlier says; “Fola wanted the complete liberation of trans people globally but particularly in Nigeria. To her liberation meant a world where trans people can be free to live loudly and freely without fear while their realities are understood. Dolls Activities was her way of making her dreams for the trans community in Nigeria a reality. Foremost in Fola’s priorities while establishing Dolls Activities was ensuring the visibility and documentation of trans individuals. Simultaneously, her focus extended to crafting safe spaces, particularly for young trans people in Nigeria, with the intent not only to provide shelter but to foster genuine community and connections.”
21 year-old Liber, who is a member of Dolls Activities comments on the impact Dolls Activities had on her; “Being a member of Dolls Activities not only granted me vital community support in navigating life as a trans person in Nigeria but also equipped me with a wealth of resources. Fola, through Dolls Activities, offered valuable information on various gender-affirming medications and the means to access them. Additionally, she guided us on affirming our identities, empowering us to stand up for ourselves. Beyond that, Dolls Activities provided essentials like food and clothing, along with insightful tips and tricks for navigating various aspects of life.”
Regrettably, we refer to Fola Francis in the past tense due to the tragic events that occurred on December 20, 2023. Her vibrant journey was unexpectedly cut short during a visit to a beach in Lagos, Nigeria, where she lost her life in a drowning incident. While it is common for loved ones to share positive memories, what truly distinguished Fola was that her warm and welcoming personality extended to everyone she encountered. Universally remembered for her warmth, Fola left an indelible mark on all who crossed her path.
“Reflecting on numerous cherished moments with Fola, one that holds a special place is our last conversation. During this heartfelt exchange, she candidly shared insights into her journey as a trans woman, detailing the challenges she confronted. Fola emphasized the importance of asserting oneself and occupying space in a world often unkind to people like us. The conversation, marked by her affirmations, left a lasting impact.”- Liber
“Since Fola’s passing, it has become apparent to me that she lived fully and approached life as if each day were her last. Her presence exuded a tangible warmth. During our collaboration in “14 Years and a Day”, Fola consistently said hi, checked in on everyone, and engaged in meaningful conversations. Her genuine warmth stood out, transcending casual chatter. Despite exhaustion during a night shoot, Fola managed to uplift everyone’s spirits. We were meant to portray a tight-knit friend group in the movie even though many of us were strangers, yet Fola effortlessly connected us all. In a pivotal scene requiring a group conversation, Fola’s character anchored the moment. Her gaze and addressing each of us as friends brought authenticity to our on-screen camaraderie. Fola just possessed an inherent realness; She was an easygoing, delightful woman with the brightest smile and the warmest hugs.” – Alexandra Maduagwu, Fola’s co-star in the movie “14 Years and a Day”.
Though Fola Francis is no longer with us, her legacy endures as an advocate for inclusivity and visibility. Consequently, It is our responsibility to honour her memory in the manner she envisioned. In the words of Desmond;
“Fola possessed an unmistakably clear sense of self—an admirable trait that set her apart. Consistently embracing her authentic identity, she walked confidently in her truth every day. I believe Fola would wish to be remembered just as she was; and that is how I remember her – a stylish, beautiful, hardworking multi-hyphenate creative, a caring friend who was surrounded by a beautiful community while leading a beautiful romantic life.”
