Threat of violence major challenge of queer activism in Nigeria – Activist, Kayode Ani

Nigerian writer and LGBT activist, Kayode Ani, has identified the threat of violence as the major challenge of queer activism in Nigeria.

He said aside from the lack of support from family and society, the threat of violence was the major problem most LGBT personalities in Nigeria face.

He stated this while featuring as a guest on the latest episode of the Spit or Swallow podcast hosted by Hausa Chocolate.

Ani said, “The threat of violence is always there because the problem isn’t just the laws, probably isn’t just violence. The problem is also that the way masculinity exists, men feel like being heterosexual, includes forcing other men to be heterosexual and attacking any man who is not heterosexual. Attacking queer men is part of heterosexuality for most heterosexual men.

“Part of the reasons why [queer] advocacy is so hard in Nigeria is because it’s very dangerous. Apart from the backlash from society, the lack of support from family, there is also like that threat of violence.”