I’m Rihanna, a trans woman residing in Lagos state, Nigeria. Embracing my identity hasn’t been an easy journey. After coming out, I faced rejection from my family, leading to homelessness. Everywhere I turned, discrimination loomed, leaving me isolated. During that trying period, I slept on the streets, under a Lagos bridge, where I encountered harassment by hoodlums.

In an attempt to survive, I worked as a conductor while attending school, relying on the little income earned from the garage. Amidst these challenges, I focused on self-counseling, maintaining a positive mindset, and setting goals. Securing a job in the NGO sector as an escort officer marked a turning point for me. With the invaluable support of organizations like Crème de la Crème House of Fame Foundation, Heartland and TIERs, which offered HIV Testing Services, mental health support services, and legal aid, I regained stability. Engaging with these NGOs broadened my understanding through community dialogues, seminars, and training sessions.

This exposure propelled me to take action against the discrimination, stigma, and assault faced by LGBTQI+ and transgender individuals. I resolved to be actively involved, leveraging my personal experiences to make a difference. Working within the NGO settings highlighted the lack of specific support for the transgender community in Nigeria. This realization prompted me to establish Harmony Caregivers Foundation, a transgender-led organization focused on fostering inclusivity, support, and programs for this vulnerable community.

The journey taught me that within the LGBTQI+ community, we find strength in our unity. Thus, I advocate for love, compassion, support, togetherness, and understanding among ourselves. As an NGO Executive Director, my strength lies in being a compassionate listener, allowing my organization to aid numerous transgender individuals.

Through it all, my pillars of support have been God, my partner, the LGBTQI+ community, and my inner resilience. Witnessing organizations like TIERs and Heartland champion the rights of the LGBTQI+ community instills hope for a brighter future.

To my transgender peers, I encourage resilience and continual self-improvement. As you rise, remember the responsibility to support others within your community and beyond. Together, we can achieve remarkable progress for our community and the entire LGBTQI+ spectrum.