Becoming: At 28, I am Agim GeeJay—a Safety and Security expert, community organiser, Human Rights Activist, and a proudly out trans man living in Nigeria. The journey to understanding and embracing my identity unfolded gradually, sparked by my attendance at an event organised by the Women’s Health and Equal Rights Initiative celebrating women’s day. I,…
In observance of Transgender Awareness Week, The Rustin Times engaged in conversations with transgender individuals, asking for insights they wished they had at the beginning of their transition and things they’ve learned on their journey. We’ve compiled some of the responses we received. “I wish someone had told me that taking testosterone is not a…
Film has consistently served as a vital sanctuary for the authentic expression of queerness. Recently, African storytellers have taken centre stage, sharing narratives of queerness with unparalleled authenticity. The Rustin Times has thoughtfully curated a selection of new films by African creators that wholeheartedly prioritise the LGBTQIA+ narrative. 14 Years and a Day: This…
In the most recent episode of The Harry Minute, Obinna Igwe, a first-generation Nigerian American, shared his experiences as a gay person living in America. woman in Nigeria. The show, hosted by Harry Itie, is a social commentary that explores social issues, pop culture, religion, and sexuality. In the one-hour episode, Obinna shared about his…
In the most recent episode of The Harry Minute, Biodun Y, a trans woman, shared about her experience of being a trans woman in Nigeria. The show, hosted by Harry Itie, is a social commentary that explores social issues, pop culture, religion, and sexuality. In the 24-minute episode, Biodun shared about her childhood, coming out,…
I know I am only 32 years old, but I can honestly say that I have lived many lives. I have been different things to different people at various times in my life. When you have to live like that, it eventually gets exhausting. You get to a point where you begin to wonder why…
It’s a sad thing that every queer person has to go through internalized homophobia before realizing that they are indeed what they are – Queer. I did, she did too. Questions beg for answers and this question had a body and eyes that begged to be answered to. “Will you be my best friend?” Her…
This piece was written for The Rustin Times’ #OurStories column by Nigerian Writer, Ado Aminu My sister first infused the word with the heaviness it will carry for me for years when she spat out the word ‘Lesbian’ like a weightier curse than the phrase ‘disease-carrying prostitute’ she had used moments prior. She was talking…
In many ways, this journey has always been about finding and naming myself. Looking back, there have been moments when my truest form of self, breaks through the clutter of heteronormativity, religious ideals, and internalized homophobia. It is in examining those moments, which are often scattered across the timeline of my life, that I find…
This piece was written for The Rustin Times’ #OurStories column by Nigerian Writer, Ado Aminu Nigeria is a homophobic country. The country has laws and codes that prohibit both homosexual relationship and homosexual sex. I grew up watching viral videos of people like me—gay people—being humiliated in the southern region of the country. I also…
Defiance explores the lives of young queer individuals who are not just out and visible but are vocal in the fight for equality in Nigeria. It also explores the laws in Nigeria and how they affect the personal lives of LGBT+ people in the country. Directed by Harry Itie, it features interviews with Matthew Blaise,…
At 5, I found myself preferring the company of girls but only one got my attention. I realised quickly that I would rather be with them than boys. People would say because as a little boy, I was quiet, somehow stubborn. I radiated sweet innocence and naivety. It was different from the trait other boys…
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