Covid-19 in Nigeria: Gay youth trapped at home with homophobic dad
As the country’s lockdown continues and coronavirus cases increase, LGBTIQ+ Nigerians have become more vulnerable.
From the African Human Rights Media Network
Photo for illustrative purposes only. (Photo Source: Istockphoto.com)
By Mike Daemon
LGBTIQ+ Nigerians have expressed fears over increased vulnerability since the lockdown began. Unemployment, depression, loneliness, reduced access to HIV care and support, domestic violence and homelessness are growing problems for LGBTIQ+ community members.
For some, the problems begin at home.
Festus (name changed for safety), a gay youth in Lagos who reached out to NoStrings via chat, said the lockdown has left him hungry and afraid of what his homophobic father might do to him.
“I think I am going to run mad. My father has refused to provide food since he found out that I am gay a few days ago. He went through my phone after I slept off and read all my chats. Now he wants me to leave the house.”
Read also: How LGBTIQ+ Nigerians are coping with COVID-19 pandemic
Festus, who is currently in training for a career in fashion and designing, said his father has made his life hell. He often has to sleep on an empty stomach.
“My father said I should be going out during the day, that he doesn’t want to see me, else he might be tempted to kill me. Now I go out and most times wander on the street before returning back home to sleep at night. He has also asked me to leave immediately after the lockdown.”
Festus said he is currently looking for a place to stay whilst still pursuing his dreams of becoming a fashion designer.
“I am looking for a place to live. I don’t want to commit suicide. It’s hard staying at home. My father hates me so much I can see it. I just want to finish my training and see how I can get my life together,” he said.
Source: Rights Africa
I feel so sorry for this young man having to endure his dad’s wrath for being his authentic self. IT IS VITAL FOR PARENTS TO KNOW THAT SEXUAL ORIENTATION IS INNATE AND FIXED IN NATURE AND CANNOT BE CHANGED. YOUR SON DID NOT CHOOSE TO BE HOMOSEXUAL, IT CHOSE HIM. HE CAN’T HELP HIS ATTRACTION FOR MEN. IF HE COULD BELIEF ME HE WOULD. I SURE HE DOESN’T ENJOY YOUR ABUSE AND REJECTION OF HIM. facing the reality of his sexual orientation and the rejection of his family is doubly traumatic. Shame on you dad. You are the lowest of the lowest. How in the name of God could you inflict this kind of pain on your own son. Your behavior is despicable and inhumane and it will ultimately leave long lasting scars on the entire family unit. As a father, one of your roles is to be a peace maker in the your family. You are suppose to be the protector of your family through the good and the bad. Instead, your inability to understand the differences of each of us, has resulted in your unnatural mistreatment and abuse of your son. Your disdain for your son has got you to the point where you “can’t stand to look at your own flesh and blood. FESTUS, I respect your courage to come out and I pray that you won’t allow this experience to permanently damage your self esteem and/or take away your future plans to become a fashion designer and self supporting. You can either allow this negative experience destroy you or it can be a catalyst for self acceptance and success.
If I can get him to contact me I can get him to the United States we have protections here or at least get him to the U.K and I can work on legalizing him here in N.J we have programs what he going to school for the U.S WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER with the protections I can be reached at +14703961291 or chadopfer@gmail.com