What Are Your Thoughts On Being Queer In Nigeria?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Hello guys. So, a KDian is basing some of her research into queer issues on Kito Diaries and needs your cooperation to achieve her objective. She is legit and confidence is assured for anyone who would participate in what she’s asking.

Check out below what she has to say.

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Hi everyone,

My name is Sewa.

I was brought to this blog by someone special to me some two years back and I have been following the greatly inspiring and powerful stories that have emerged on here since then.

I am now doing my Masters and doing research on resistance by Queer Youth in Nigeria. I decided to work with Kito Diaries because I think it is one of the most relevant spaces in which to explore the question of resistance against state-legitimated homophobia. While there have been grander movements of activism in Nigeria, especially in Lagos – public events, initiatives, fora, etc. which are important to talk about – I found this space particularly special for the everyday nuance it offers. The everyday narratives of struggle and love; and the everyday use of the erotic matter to political life in ways in which we perhaps don’t acknowledge enough.

I had initially decided to stick to analyzing the texts published here, but I am now more inclined to talk to readers of and contributors on KD personally to know directly what the space means to them and how it enables them alternative possibilities of expression and resistance amidst state-society hostility. With Pinky’s permission, I am posting this statement to ask that anyone who is willing should contact me through my personal details so we can chat a bit.

My theoretical literature is focusing on digital counter-publics (how new media is enabling excluded publics to reconvene but how publics are still excluded by questions of capital, gender, access) and queer subjectivities (how can we have nuanced conversations about sexuality in Africa, without grafting frameworks from the West while acknowledging what these frameworks make possible especially for sexualities excluded by State regulation – e.g. the SSMPA). I’ll explain more if/when we are in touch personally.

As an alternative, I would also make an online survey for people to respond to anonymously if they prefer although I would prefer the conversation option. However, what matters is what people are comfortable with.

If you are willing, my research email is: sewaresearch@gmail.com. Please send an email and we can take it from there.

As for those who would prefer to participate in the online survey, the link is HERE.

Thank you.