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Defying Odds: The Meaning of Pride for A Gay Nigerian Man

Jun 21, 2024

Pride Month holds deep significance for me as a Nigerian gay man. It’s a period of reflection, celebration, and a fierce assertion of my right to exist authentically, despite the challenges and adversity I face in my own country. Beyond a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, it is a fierce assertion of my right to exist as I am, to love who I love, and to live authentically. Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve always been acutely aware of the stigma and discrimination surrounding being gay.

“Pride, to me, is a radical act of self-love and defiance, a powerful reminder that my existence is valid and worthy of celebration.”

In a country where homosexuality is illegal, LGBTQ+ individuals face daily threats to their safety and well-being. Traditional values often clash with the reality of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, making it difficult to embrace one’s true self. Pride Month, however, offers a powerful antidote to this societal condemnation, allowing me to reclaim my identity and assert my worth in the face of adversity. Pride celebrates the diversity and complexity of LGBTQ+ identities, recognizing the beauty in our differences. And for me, it is about standing up for myself and my community and refusing to be silenced or marginalized.

Pride Month is also a time to reflect on global progress in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, while acknowledging the work that remains. (Thailand just became the first southeast Asian country to pass a bill to legalize same sex marriage!) It is an opportunity to connect with others in the LGBTQ+ community, share experiences and stories, and advocate for acceptance and equality. It is also a moment to honor the courage and strength of those who have come before me, and to continue the fight for a more inclusive and just society.  Pride, to me, is a radical act of self-love and defiance, a powerful reminder that my existence is valid and worthy of celebration.

By Chukwuemeka, 2024 Rainbow Academy Scholar.

We have trained over 60 LGBTQ+ Nigerian scholars like Chukwuemeka, and we need your help to do more impactful work. Join us in this fight for social acceptance and equality and donate to our GoFundMe campaign.

Your donation will help provide safe spaces, transportation, and resources for scholars and mentors during our 12-day residential training in Lagos.

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