From bias to boldness: Queer Nigerian fights family homophobia

A queer Nigerian X user @sonofceci, has shared his experience with how he overcame his stepbrother’s homophobic overbearing behaviour.

By NoStringsNG Contributor

@sonofceci (Source: X)

The young Nigerian stylist and digital creator made the experience public when he shared screenshots of his conversation with this stepbrother calling him out and exposing his deep-seeded homophobia.

In the screenshots shared by the young man, a creative writer, it was evident that his brother showed no interest in his wellbeing, but was rather more concerned and irritated by his personal lifestyle choices.

The unfortunate conversation was triggered after the young man uploaded a Whatsapp profile photo of himself on a scarf. Something he described as ‘beautiful and harmless’ but was perceived by his stepbrother to be ‘gayish’ and indicates his “desires to become a cross-dresser”.

See the screenshots below:

@sonofceci’s experience is worthy of mention as it vividly shows a little of the backlash received by many Nigerians who are queer or different. In addition, it also brings to light how negative stereotypes and false beliefs about being queer can ruin family bonds, sow hatred and alter how humans interpret, react, and respond to normal situations.

Just like @sonofceci, thousands of individuals in Nigeria and the world who happen to dress or love differently, are at the receiving end of various forms of aggressive and discriminatory behaviours from family, religious, and corporate organizations. Sadly, effeminate men and masculine-presenting women are not left out and tend to receive more of these negative behaviours. Negative behaviours, to a large extent, are due to the false and negative beliefs many have been fed from various sources, which label been queer, abnormal, and sinful.

Ultimately, queer-phobic Nigerians must realize that being different or peculiar is completely normal. The onus lies on them to self-develop themselves to get rid of their biases, stereotypes, and false beliefs so that they are not left behind in an ever-evolving world.