We, as humans, have come a long way since civilization made us more aware people. Evolving and showing empathy, giving second chances, and benefits of doubts have made tolerance a widely embraced phenomenon, hence our fight to be free even in the face of prejudice and growing intolerance.

Pride – a celebration of love and freedom, a reminder that oppression does not last for long, a depiction of our will to live, a time to own our struggles and give into bravery and defiance of strangulating norms – will always be something I look forward to. The month of June into July is usually set aside to give us ample room to be, to commemorate our fallen, and to unapologetically celebrate our existence. But January to December for me is always a celebration of my life as a queer Nigerian. It never stops and every day is worth wearing a rainbow insignia for.

The Nigerian environment is not yet accepting of my pride but no war in history has ever been won by not taking matters personally, or by being complacent and nonchalant, or by pandering to the whims and caprices of the oppressor. I dream that in 50 years, Nigerians will look forward to the season called “Pride”. That Nigerians will speak up against the inhumanity and injustice against their compatriots, and cisgender heterosexual persons will join in the celebration of our freedom.

Pride means my fight is not yet over. Pride means I am here to stay. Pride means I will not sit on the fence and hope others march, fight and die for me. Pride means I will showcase my lesbianism and make myself visible every passing day. Pride means refuelling, for all my years of drained mental energy as an ambivert, intersex, asexual lesbian living in Nigeria. Pride is my unfettered human right that shows the future generation we are humans and normal. Pride is the halo over my head. Pride is the rainbow identity I will not hide.

I am an LGBTQIA+ Nigerian. I am Pride.

About the Writer

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