When Ako* heard that an LGBTIQ community centre was going to open in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, the first thing she did was get herself a date.
And then matching outfits. Calling an Uber on the day of the opening, she entered the words ‘LGBT community centre’ – and there it was.
In a city of grand mosques and megachurches, there was a tiny point on the map that she felt recognised that she exists and deserves care.
Attending the opening event made her feel as high as she has ever felt. “For the first time, I didn’t have to pretend about who I am,” she said.