Introduction
At 28 years old, Keme* has dedicated six years to full-time employment, yet the ability to envision a future remains elusive. The prospect of saving for anything beyond rent seems unattainable, with all financial resources dedicated to daily survival. Often resorting to loans to navigate the month, Keme’s struggles are reflective of a broader pattern in Nigeria.
The cost of living crisis in Nigeria poses significant challenges to marginalised communities, particularly queer and trans youths. As economic pressures intensify, finding corporate jobs becomes a difficult task, leading to increased vulnerabilities, including the looming risk of homelessness. This crisis not only compounds the challenges of securing corporate employment for queer and trans youths but extends its impact to the heart of economic stability – the disparity between salaries and the economic reality. Consequently, even within corporate spaces, queer and trans individuals find themselves navigating financial instability due to inadequate compensation.
Understanding the Cost of Living Crisis
Nigeria grapples with a soaring cost of living, fueled by economic uncertainties, inflation, and a challenging job market. This crisis exacerbates pre-existing inequalities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities, including queer and trans youths. As the economic landscape becomes increasingly hostile, securing corporate employment, a critical factor in financial stability, becomes an uphill battle for many.
Queer youths often face additional hurdles in securing corporate jobs due to discriminatory hiring practices. Homophobia and transphobia remain pervasive in many workplaces, hindering queer individuals from accessing equal opportunities for employment.
“Navigating corporate spaces during job searches has always been an anxiety-inducing experience for me. The anticipation of encountering homophobia and the pressure to conform to binary rules and dress codes adds an extra layer of difficulty. Finding inclusive environments that allow me to be authentic in my presentation is a rare privilege, making job searches twice as challenging.” Keme says.
This exclusion from corporate spaces not only limits financial independence but also perpetuates social stigmatisation, contributing to a cycle of marginalisation. “Upon entering the creative industry and joining an organisation that professed LGBTQ+ friendliness, I found myself still treated as a spectacle. This experience swiftly taught me that, as a queer individual in Nigeria, constant vigilance is required due to the pervasive dangers that lurk in various forms.” Keme adds.
In Nigeria, a stark class discrimination in salary structures prevails, favouring individuals with multiple degrees who are privileged to receive higher pay. However, this disparity worsens the challenges faced by queer individuals. Many in the LGBTQ+ community grapple with the loss of financial support from their families, compelling them to drop out of school and navigate the complexities of self-sufficiency. In this context, the prospect of attaining a high-paying corporate job becomes a distant dream for those who’ve had to forge their path without the traditional support systems in place.
Even when some succeed in securing a corporate job, the triumph is often marred by a stark reality – the glaring discrepancy between salaries and the actual economic situation. Queer and trans youths, having overcome discriminatory hiring practices, still grapple with the harsh realisation that these corporate jobs do not come with salaries that reflect the economic struggles of the country.
While employed, queer folks often find their financial stability precarious. The salaries offered fail to align with the soaring cost of living, leaving many in a perpetual state of economic vulnerability. As they grapple with the daily grind, the discrepancy in wages perpetuates a cycle of financial strain, hindering their ability to break free from the shackles of economic uncertainty.
“Despite receiving a pay raise this year to help with the challenging times, it seems to have made little difference due to the impact of inflation and the escalating costs of goods and services. Paradoxically, I find myself in a situation that closely resembles where I was last year. The persistent economic challenges have left me questioning whether achieving financial stability or independence is a feasible goal for me in Nigeria at this point” Keme reflects.
Impact on Mental Health
The strain of unemployment and financial instability takes a toll on the mental health of queer and trans youths. The constant battle for acceptance in both professional and personal spheres amplifies stress and anxiety. Discrimination in job markets intensifies feelings of isolation and despair, leading to mental health challenges that further impede these individuals’ ability to thrive.
Even when employed, the repercussions of inadequate compensation are multifaceted. The challenges in meeting basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and self development not only hinders personal growth and development but also perpetuates the cycle of marginalisation, impeding their ability to contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
As economic hardships persist, queer youths face an increased risk of homelessness. The inability to secure stable employment leaves them vulnerable to housing insecurity, particularly in environments where familial acceptance is lacking. Discrimination within housing markets further compounds the issue, leaving many without a secure and affirming place to call home. Keme who now works with an organisation that caters to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community says; “We receive numerous calls from community members who have been financially disowned by their families, leaving them unable to sustain their education, secure meals, or maintain housing. A serious poverty crisis and homelessness epidemic persist within our community, and this is the harsh reality we confront. Regrettably, the situation is rapidly escalating, compounding the challenges faced by those seeking support.”
The economic situation compels queer youths to navigate a delicate balance between making ends meet and catering to their personal well-being. The struggle to reconcile their aspirations with financial limitations adds an extra layer of complexity to their professional and personal lives.
“Hmmmm… It is well”, 25-year-old Prism says when asked about the coping mechanisms she’s employed to navigate financial instability. From her tone though, you can tell nothing is well. “I’ve found myself opting for lower-quality items due to their affordability, even when it comes to everyday essentials like painkillers. Finding alternatives has become a necessity. The rising cost of living has impacted my ability to indulge in snacks, as prices have doubled, while my salary remains unchanged. Living with my parents and not paying rent used to provide a financial buffer, allowing me to manage my monthly salary of seventy thousand naira. However, with the recent economic downturn, I’m now compelled to seek additional income streams just to make ends meet. Saving has become a luxury I can no longer afford in this challenging economic climate. Every aspect of life feels increasingly difficult” she expands.
Activism in the Face of Adversity
Despite these challenges, queer and trans youths in Nigeria are not passive victims. Many are engaging in activism, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and challenging discriminatory policies. Grassroots movements are pushing for economic empowerment programs tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to break the cycle of systemic marginalisation.
Community support networks play a crucial role in buffering the impact of the cost of living crisis. Organisations such as The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) and others provide essential resources, mentorship programs, and mental health support for community members. However, it seems the prevailing sense of despair among community members is reaching levels that surpass the capacity of organisations to address adequately.
Keme says; “The magnitude of emotional distress and urgent needs within the community far outpaces the resources and support currently available, underscoring a critical gap in our ability to adequately respond to the heightened challenges faced by such a vulnerable demographic.”
Conclusion
The cost of living crisis in Nigeria creates formidable barriers for queer and trans youths, amplifying the struggle for corporate employment and increasing the risk of poverty and homelessness. To address these challenges, it is essential to tackle discriminatory practices, foster inclusive environments, and provide targeted support for mental health and economic empowerment.
*Names have been changed.
