With the evolution of the internet there is no question that the LGBTQ Community in Nigeria is on the periphery, but it has found a stable haven for collective LGBTQ voices on a digital platforms.

Social media as well as various dating gay-friendly websites have in recent time created a safe and anonymous life spa e where LGBTQ can express themselves freely social media and other gay-friendly apps and websites where they can come out to connect, advocate, find emotional and financial support, and the courage to be open about their sexuality’ even with the knowledge that the society frowns at us and what we stand for. 

Social media now allows the queer Nigerian to unapologetically express their sexuality, for example, you can incorporate vocabularies such as ‘’gay’’, ‘’homo’’ and ‘’queer’’ . You can also use the rainbow, which is the global emblem of LGBTQ activism in your handle.

The downside is that the digital space can also expose you to blackmail and assault that can lead to being arrested by the police and like you know the Nigerian law is not in support of LGBTQ. 

 It is amazing how Nigerian religious leaders treat LGBTQ as people possessed by evil spirit.

Shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria (March 2020) Sharon (surname withheld for security purpose) was taken to a white garment church by her mother for prayers for financial breakthrough unknown to her that a friend had informed her mother that she was a Lesbian.

Upon getting to the church, the pastor who had previously agreed with Sharon's mother that she needed a deliverance conducted for Sharon to be delivered from the evil spirit that has possessed her, starting an intercessory prayer that lasted for about an hour, the pastor told Sharon's mother that Sharon will have to remain with them for 14days.

'Those 14 days were the worst days of my life! They beat me, slapped me, poured me water and for these days, I was not allowed to take a bath.' Sharon lamented. She eventually had to confess to having a evil spirit and that the spirit has been gotten rid of just because she needed a break and if that means accepting that she was possessed by evil spirit just because she was a Lesbian, she was willing to do it. It was only then that she was allowed to go home after she had given a testimony in church publicly. 

When I hear experiences such as Sharon's, I wonder why our people have refused to understand that being LGBTQ is not something that is spiritual or a fashion. It is noteworthy to understand that it is who you are and that shouldn't be an offense to anyone or groups or government.