Black LGBTQ Lawmakers and Activists Rally at Nigerian Embassy, Demanding Justice and Equality (Watch)
A group comprising Black LGBTQ lawmakers and activists came together in a powerful demonstration outside the Nigerian Embassy located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Their primary objective was to vehemently condemn the recent and deeply concerning incident in Delta State, Nigeria, where over 200 individuals were arrested during a same-sex wedding that took place on August 28, 2023.
During this protest, the lawmakers and activists were steadfast in their belief that this mass arrest went beyond merely violating the basic rights of the people involved. They found it distressing that the Nigerian law enforcement authorities had chosen to parade LGBTQIA+ individuals before the media, portraying them in a manner that seemed to suggest that this was some kind of accomplishment in terms of public safety. Among the voices speaking out against this injustice was Maryland state Delegate Gabriel Acevero, a prominent figure who happens to be the first openly gay man of Afro-Latino descent to be elected to the Maryland General Assembly.
Delegate Acevero made it clear that LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly queer Nigerians, should not be perceived as a threat to Nigerian identity or national security. He emphasized that Nigeria’s real security challenges lay elsewhere, notably in dealing with entities like Boko Haram.
Victoria Kirby York, the Public Policy and Programs Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, brought a personal dimension to the protest. As someone of Nigerian descent and an openly lesbian Black woman, she revealed that she had refrained from traveling to Nigeria due to genuine fears about her own safety. Her impassioned plea echoed the group’s central demand: the immediate release of the detainees and the dropping of all charges against them.
The protesters were united in their mission, standing shoulder to shoulder to address an issue that they considered of utmost urgency. Delegate Martinez, who, like Acevero, is Afro-Latino and openly gay, and who represents Prince George’s County in the House of Delegates, expressed deep disappointment in Nigeria’s current stance, which appeared to contradict the principles of equality and human rights.
This collective outcry against Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ policy was further echoed by another representative, who emphasized the need for change. The protesters called on Nigeria to release all the detainees and abolish the discriminatory laws that not only perpetuated prejudice but also infringed upon the fundamental human rights of countless individuals.
It’s essential to note that one of the participants, Oriadha, identified as bisexual and shared a deeply personal perspective. She rejected the notion that homosexuality was a concept imposed by the West, pointing out that it ignored the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals within their own cultural communities.
Furthermore, the first Black gay man elected to the D.C. City Council, Councilmember Parker, drew attention to the fact that Nigeria was not the only country where anti-LGBTQ crackdowns were occurring. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation, not only in Nigeria but also in D.C. and throughout the United States.
Parker emphasized the need for global awareness and action, acknowledging that while the focus was currently on Nigeria, similar struggles were taking place in countries like Pakistan, Jamaica, and Haiti, where Black queer individuals were facing persecution and violence. He also drew attention to the unfortunate reality that even in the United States, Black transgender individuals were at risk on the streets, and oppressive policies persisted in various forms.
In essence, this protest outside the Nigerian Embassy was a resounding call for justice, equality, and the recognition of the basic human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, not only in Nigeria but across the globe. It highlighted the ongoing struggle against discrimination, violence, and systemic prejudice that disproportionately affected Black LGBTQ+ communities.