I got an unexpected call on a weekend few weeks ago. At the end of the call, two things were certain, I would be working on a Sunday. Secondly, I would get to interview queer people. I was excited. These stories that take me to interesting places, meeting interesting people..... Immediately I contacted my senior producer in Nairobi and it was a yes. The next day, I got ready. Not knowing what to do with the kids, I was forced to take them with me to work. I figured they would enjoy being out.
The Initiative for Equal Rights and Stand to End Rape advocacy groups organised a photo exhibition about sexual violence in Nigeria that partly looked at experiences of the LGBT community and featured photographs of four gay subjects who had experienced sexual violence; a daring feat in a country that has the same sex marriage prohibition act. I spoke to some of them about their challenges and their stories were horrific. Some had been set up and gang raped. There were stories of family rejection, community alienation, rape, arrests, suicidal thoughts and isolation. One of them who embraced his sexuality 6 years ago said he was permanently on lock down at home because his parents banned him from going out for his own protection as he had been arrested once. He was only able to come out cos they had travelled.
The photographs show queer people dressed in long robes, a reflection of the fact that they have to constantly be in hiding. In May 2014, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill that criminalises same-sex relationships, despite pressure from Western governments to respect gay and lesbian rights. The bill contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships" and membership of gay rights groups. Olumide Makanjuola, executive director of The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERS), a charity working to protect the rights of sexual minorities in Nigeria says what the law has done, is to actually validate and then give power to violence either sexual violence, physical violence against LGBT persons.
Dozens of Nigerians turned up to show support for these persons who have had to endure violence as a result of their gender identity and sexuality. Last week, 54 people went on trial on charges connected to allegations that they were celebrating a gay wedding. Acts of gay sex are illegal in 32 countries across Africa and persecution of gay people is rife across the continent.
Dozens of Nigerians turned up to show support for these persons who have had to endure violence as a result of their gender identity and sexuality. Last week, 54 people went on trial on charges connected to allegations that they were celebrating a gay wedding. Acts of gay sex are illegal in 32 countries across Africa and persecution of gay people is rife across the continent.
