Is Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown only meant for the poor?
The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State a few weeks ago arrested more than 67 suspected gay men for attending an alleged gay wedding.
Authorities received a tip, they interrogated those arrested and suspicions were cemented on the basis that some of these young men crossed-dressed. “We’re bringing this out to the world to note, especially Nigerians, that we’re in Africa and Nigeria.
We cannot copy the Western world,” Deputy Police Supt. Bright Edafe said. “We’re in Nigeria, and I can guarantee that the suspects will be charged to court.” Although these young men have since been released, this situation in Nigeria underscores a glaring paradox: A country that boasts a growing number of queer celebrities — many of whom have embraced crossdressing as part of their persona — maintains harsh legal actions against less privileged queer youths who express their identities.
This unequal treatment sends a damaging message to the broader queer community; perpetuating a cycle of discrimination, fear and inequality.
