Queer Alliance Nigeria

Statement on Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill 2011

2011-10-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

DistinguishSenators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Members ofthe Press,

My Fathers and Mothers,

FellowNigerians,

I standbefore you today to appeal to your conscience not to promote discrimination andhate towards some Nigerian citizens who for the dilemma of their sexualitycannot speak for themselves. My name is Rashidi Williams, the ExecutiveDirector of Queer Alliance Nigeria. Queer Alliance works to promote thewell-being and advocate for the rights of sexual minorities in Nigeria. I amproud to identify as a gay man of African and Nigerian descent.

At this point in the history of our country, it is important tonote that we are going through a period in which the decisive support for therule of law, principles of freedom, artistic and intellectual expression,association, religious liberty, dignity of the Human Person, freedom fromdiscrimination of all sorts, an open society and the respect, protection andfulfillment of the rights of all Nigerians have become an absolute necessity.

According to the World Health Organization; sexuality is a centralaspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identitiesand roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires,beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships.Sexuality is also influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological,social, economic, cultural, ethical, legal, political, historical and religiousand spiritual factor. It therefore suffices to say that homosexuality isinherent in a particular percentage of the citizenry of our country.

Sexuality is a core component of what makes us human beings. SameSex attraction as we know is not a matter of choice. No one will willing chooseto belong to a marginalized group within any particular society. It isalready a trial to survive the hardship of our nations let alone thediscrimination we face as sexual minorities. We believe that our sexuality isGod-given and that it should not be a basis for discrimination against us.

Nigeria’sconstitution guarantees every citizen their fundamental human rights. TheChapter IV of the constitution gives a list of these rights. Notable is theRight to the Dignity of the Human Person, The Right to Freedom fromDiscrimination and The Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association. Oursignatory to international covenants and treaties (notably UniversalDeclaration on Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and PoliticalRights, the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Convention on the Eliminationof all forms of Discrimination against Women etc.), recognizes the fact that weknow and acknowledge that sexual orientation and gender identity is and shouldbe a protected clause in the context of human rights. It is also means that aspeople and a country, there is sexual diversity amongst us.

The Right toFreedom from Discrimination has been interpreted internationally to includefreedom from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and genderidentity. While the constitution endorse the Right to Freedom fromDiscrimination, discriminatory and repressive laws found in the Penal AndCriminal Codes of the nation gives a breeding ground for the perpetration ofhate crimes and violations of human rights on grounds of sexual orientation andgender identity in the country. This bill which is coming on the heels ofpenalizing legislation will further make life difficult for sexual minorities.

DistinguishSenators, in Nigeria violence against sexual minorities are frequent and occuron a daily basis, mostly under-reported. People with same sex orientation arebeing attacked by members of the society, using the discriminatory laws thatexist in our statue books and religious texts to fuel their acts. These peoplego unpunished for these dastardly acts. This bill will escalate the tensionthat we are already experiencing as a result of our sexuality. Discriminatorylaws found in the penal and Criminal Codes also prevent sexual minorities fromseeking redress because state actors, especially law enforcement agencies usethese laws to further abuse and violate their human rights. The killing ofInnua Yakubu, a student of the Government College, Jigawa in 2002. Innua Yakubu was tagged gay by his classmates.This is a vivid example of the daily horrific experiences that sexualminorities in Nigeria go through.

May we also call the attention of the distinguished Senate of ourcountry know that there is no place or evidence in Nigeria today that supportsor affirms that persons with same sex orientations are getting married. We believe that what this bill seeks topenalize is non-existence and therefore means that the bill to prohibit samesex marriage is null and void.

Our beloved country has committed herself to numerous Human Righttreaties and convention under international laws of the United Nations andHuman Rights Commission which expands on the understanding of sexuality, sexualorientation and gender identity. We need these signatories to show in theprotection of the lives of citizens of this great country that identify as samesex oriented persons. As citizens of Nigeria, we have contributed to thedevelopment of the nation, albeit in the closet of our humanity because of thelaws present in the statues books of Nigeria. We cannot stand or sit by any longer and watchour lives and dreams shattered all because of our sexual orientation and genderidentity; a dilemma that we cannot overcome.

The last three word of the first verse of the National Anthemreads ‘Freedom, Peace and Unity’ for all its citizens. The proposed bill is atear off this part of Nigeria that guarantees freedom to all its citizens asenshrined in the1999 Constitution. Our quest for development as a nation, meetthe challenges of the Millennium Development Goals and attain vision 202020 inthe light of the current transformation agenda of the Goodluck JonathanAdministration cannot be realized if we continue to have discriminatory andrepressive laws in the statues books of Nigeria or legislate to make abuse andviolation on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity possible. Ittakes away our rights as sexual minorities to contribute to the development ofour country. Freedom enshrined in the respect for the rights of every Nigerianis essential to the development and growth that we all yearn for as a country.Furthermore, sexuality, sexual health and sexual rights are related to almostall the Millennium Development Goals of which we are still struggling toachieve as a country. This bill makes that largely impossible.

Initiatives to promote rights and an open society where everyonecan sit at the table irrespective of their status, inclusive of sexualorientation and gender identity and proffer solutions to the myriads ofproblems facing the country should be keen on the minds of everyone, now thatNigeria seeks to be among the 20 best economies of the world in the nearestfuture. In this light, this bill istotally unnecessary and we as citizens of Nigeria urge the Senate and otherbodies, to open up possibilities of discussing human sexuality in an openatmosphere rather than debating to further criminalize people with thisorientation where it is already illegal and criminal.

In conclusion, we also as citizens of Nigeria pledge to our dearlybeloved nation that we shall continue to be faithful, loyal and honest regardlessof the seasons, peace or tribulations, we shall serve Nigeria with all ourstrength and uphold the dignity and honour for all rightful citizens, Help usGod. Thanks for your attention and we are indeed better off as a countrywithout this bill.

Recommendations

Queer Alliance in the light of the proposed bill therefore urgesthe Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:

· Recognize the importance of sexuality andsexual rights in the lives of all Nigerians and the role of sexuality in theachievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

· Take measures to protect the rights of everyNigeria irrespective of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

· Repeal, amend or review laws relating tosexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity that are discriminatory andrepressive in the statues books of Nigeria

· Legislate to protect from discrimination onthe basis of sexual orientation and gender identity

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

University of Virginia Study Shows Children Adopted By Lesbians And Gays Are Well Adjusted

2011-10-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Written by: Bridgette P. LaVictoire on July 26, 2010.

07/26/10-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
The results of a new University of Virginia study show that there should not be any barriers placed upon same-sex couples with regards to adopting children. In a study that sampled some 106 adoptive children living across the United States, the study found that youngsters were developing well without regards to whether they lived with lesbian, gay or heterosexual couples. This study only reinforces a recent study which showed that children conceived via artificial insemination by lesbian couples were as well adjusted, or slightly more so, than the children of heterosexual couples. This U.Va study showed that how adopted children did was not related to the sexual orientation of their adoptive parents.

U.Va. Psychology professor Charlotte J. Patterson said “We found that children adopted by lesbian and gay couples are thriving. Our results provide no justification for denying lesbian or gay prospective adoptive parents the opportunity to adopt children. With thousands of children in need of permanent homes in the United States alone, our findings suggest that ourtreach to lesbian and gay prospective adoptive parents might benefit children who are in need.”
The research assessed adjustment and development among preschool-aged children. It focused on children adopted at birth by lesbian, gay or heterosexual couples, and used a standardized assessment prodecure. What the researchers found is that parents and teachers agreed that the children were developing in a typical manner. The researchers also found that measures of the children’s adjustment, and the parents parental practices and stress levels were not associated with the parents’ sexual orientation. How well children adjusted was associated with how warmly the parents oriented to them.
Adoption rights for lesbian and gay parents has been a controversial topic, and denial of those rights has been pushed by people who often believe that children should have a mother and a father despite scientific evidence that this is not necessarily the reality. In fact, these measures are usually pushed by people who want to return to the days when homosexuality was illegal and punishable by prison. Some want to go further, as evidenced by one Texas lawyer who posited that prison was a hot bed of homosexual activity and, thus, it would be wrong to imprison gays. It would be better to execute them, he seemed to say.
Some states have tried to pass bans on unmarried couples adopting children, but those have been overturned in the courts. A number of states allow for same-sex co-adoptions.
Patterson is a faculty member at U.Va. and research scientist at the Fenway Institute’s Center for Population research in LGBT Health in Boston. The study was also authored by Rachel H. Farr, a U.Va. doctoral candidate and Stephenn L. Forssell, a George Washington University faculty member in psychology. Its funding came from the Williams Instituted at the UCLA School of Law.

Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill 2011: Homosexuals to Nigeria at 51

2011-09-30T12:09:00.001-07:00

In spite ofthe fact that the constitution of Nigeria guarantees each citizens its basichuman rights, the Nigerian Senate just last week again re-introduced the SameSex Marriage Bill which if passed into law would criminalize person with samesex orientation and other activities connected with them. Is this a Greek giftto the gay at community at independence by the Nigeria Senate as we begin thesecond leg of journey as a nation into a century? It occurs to us as homosexualsthat as a nation, the second phase of our nationhood is to begin bycriminalizing our own citizens and denying their basic fundamental human rightsas enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

As citizens of thisgreat country and as sexual minorities, we strongly condemn the re-introductionof Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill and urge the Senate to shelve thebill. It is a totally unnecessary

Bill that will furtherexacerbate the hardships of homosexual Nigerians. This bill is a waste ofparliamentary time and a disgrace to our democratic society.

The CriminalCode of Nigeria, Section 214 and 217 already criminalize people with same sexorientation. Why then criminalize something that is already criminal by thestatue books of the country?

Nigeria remains signatories to various InternationalCovenants and Treaties that protect from discrimination even on the grounds ofsexual orientation and gender identity. Notable among this is the InternationalCovenant on Civil and Political Rights, African Charter on Human and PeoplesRights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Oursignatories to these covenants and treaties mean and suggest that we do knowthat persons with same sex orientation exist in the country. The mere fact thatwe still hold on to colonial laws that discriminate and criminalize persons withthese orientations means that the second phase of our existence as a nationshould be a time in which we make the country non-discriminatory by repealingdiscriminatory and repressive laws.

We as homosexuals’ citizens of Nigeria are amazed at the ignoranceof the Senate in wanting to pass a law on Same Sex Marriage when there is notolerance, acceptance and freedom for persons with a same sex orientation. Thereis no place in Nigeria with evidence of same sex cohabitation. This thereforemakes this bill totally unnecessary and waste of tax payers’ money inorganizing public hearing and call for memorandums. This is total confusion.

The current laws in the criminal code of Nigeria have madeit largely possible for all sorts of violence to be committed on homosexuals inthe name of purging Nigeria of homosexuality. Just recently in Abia StateUniversity in South Eastern Nigeria, a gang of 5 men raped a female student andthese people have not been brought to justice. Edge in 2010 reported the rapeof lesbians in Port Harcourt by a gang, saying they were curing the ladies oftheir homosexuality. Where is the evidence that rape cures one of his /herhomosexuality? Edge also reports in 2010, the killing of a man in a suburb inLagos because of his homosexuality with Lagosians and the perpetrators of thisheinous crime claiming they were curing Lagos of homosexuals. Where is theevidence that outright killing of homosexuals would make Lagos and Nigeria anovertly heterosexual society?

In the spate of the recent violence and insecurity that ournation is engulf now is time the Nigerian Parliament should rise and enact lawscriminalizing and prosecuting violence accordingly and not criminalizing theordinary Nigerian citizens who has a dilemma he or she cannot overcome; the dilemmaof human sexuality.

As a country we must come to the realization that aparticular percentage of our population is sexual minorities and certainly this is not the time to criminalizepeople with these orientations, but a time to begin working with these people,understanding their sexuality and why they are who they are. Criminalizingpersons with same sex orientation will not curb our society of homosexualsneither will it make Nigeria overtly a heterosexual community. It rather willslow back the development and growth we all yearn for as a nation. As a countrythat is serious about raising its tainted reputation abroad, this is the timeto begin the re-branding; it should start with the respect of human rights,tolerance and acceptance of the diversity found in the human race.

The consequences of criminalizing people with same sex orientationand matters connected with them have serious consequences on the growth anddevelopment of the country. It will be felt in all areas of the country’s life,notably in health, judicial matters and tourism. Criminalizing people with asame sex orientation would further contribute to the spread of HIV and make itpossible for other forms of violence and vices to be perpetrated against sexualminorities as a result of how they express their sexualities. Bills such asthis if passed into law give room for unnecessary violence and evil in thesociety.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, the former Director of Changing Attitudes Nigeriareiterates and we as homosexuals citizens of Nigeria supports this: the onlyindependence worth celebrating as country is the Freedom to Love and Equality for all Nigerians Anythingshort of this is oppression. The Nigeriagovernment should focus on the more pressing issues affecting the country andstop using homosexuals as their escape goat for their failures. We should notbe celebrating independence while trying to adopt a law that was given to us byour colonial master and which they (colonial masters) have long time rejected. Ashomosexuals’ citizens of Nigeria, we are not asking for a homosexual Nigeria,what we are asking for is a non discriminatory Nigeria society in whicheveryone can express their sexuality without a fear of societal demand andviolence. As we celebrate the 51^st anniversary of our existence as anation, we call on all well meaning Nigerians, home and abroad to reject thebill and help in protecting the lives of the very vulnerable in the society.

Long Live Nigeria

Scientists find way to "disarm" AIDS virus

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

By Kate Kelland
LONDON | Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:08pm EDT
(Reuters) - Scientists have found a way to prevent HIV from damaging the immune system and say their discovery may offer a new approach to developing a vaccine against AIDS.
Researchers from the United States and Europe working in laboratories on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found it is unable to damage the immune system if cholesterol is removed from the virus's membrane.
"It's like an army that has lost its weapons but still has flags, so another army can recognize it and attack it," said Adriano Boasso of Imperial College London, who led the study.
The team now plans to investigate how to use this way of inactivating the virus and possibly develop it into a vaccine.
Usually when a person becomes infected with HIV, the body's innate immune response puts up an immediate defense. But some researchers believe HIV causes the innate immune system to overreact. This weakens the immune system's next line of defense, known as the adaptive immune response.
For this study -- published on Monday in the journal Blood -- Boasso's team removed cholesterol from the membrane around the virus and found that this stopped HIV from triggering the innate immune response. This in turn led to a stronger adaptive response, orchestrated by a type of immune cells called T cells.
AIDS kills around 1.8 million people a year worldwide. An estimated 2.6 million people caught HIV in 2009, and 33.3 million people are living with the virus.
Major producers of current HIV drugs include Gilead Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline.
Scientists from companies, non-profits and governments around the world have been trying for many years to make a vaccine against HIV but have so far had only limited success.
A 2009 study in Thailand involving 16,000 volunteers showed for the first time that a vaccine could prevent HIV infection in a small number of people, but since the efficacy was only around 30 percent researchers were forced back to the drawing board.
An American team working on an experimental HIV vaccine said in May that it helped monkeys with a form of the AIDS virus control the infection for more than a year, suggesting it may lead to a vaccine for people.
HIV is spread in many ways -- during sex, on needles shared by drug users, in breast milk and in blood -- so there is no single easy way to prevent infection. The virus also mutates quickly and can hide from the immune system, and attacks the very cells sent to battle it.
"HIV is very sneaky," Boasso said in a statement. "It evades the host's defenses by triggering overblown responses that damage the immune system. It's like revving your car in first gear for too long -- eventually the engine blows out.
He said this may be why developing a vaccine has proven so tricky. "Most vaccines prime the adaptive response to recognize the invader, but it's hard for this to work if the virus triggers other mechanisms that weaken the adaptive response."
HIV takes its membrane from the cell that it infects, the researchers explained in their study. This membrane contains cholesterol, which helps keep it fluid and enables it to interact with particular types of cell.
Normally, a subset of immune cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) recognize HIV quickly and react by producing signaling molecules called interferons. These signals activate various processes which are initially helpful, but which damage the immune system if switched on for too long.
Working with scientists Johns Hopkins University, the University of Milan and Innsbruck University, Boasso's team found that if cholesterol is removed from HIV's envelope, it can no longer activate pDCs. As a result, T cells, which orchestrate the adaptive response, can fight the virus more effectively.

AFRICAN LESBIANS LAUNCH WEST AFRICAN LGBT HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS PROJECT

2011-09-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

Friday August 26, 2011 saw the Coalition of African Lesbians, CAL, launch its LGBT Human Rights Defenders, HRD project in Lagos, Nigeria.
Participants in the HRD workshop, which was held in collaboration with The Initiative for Equal Rights, TIER, a Nigerian-based LGBT human rights organization, attended the launch alongside some members of the Lagos LGBT community.

“The human rights defenders project was inspired by the violence faced by LGBT HRDs especially in countries where there are laws prohibiting same-sex relationship and the advocacy of their rights” said Victor Mukasa, the CAL HRD Project coordinator.

“Instances of this violence include the murder of David Kato of Uganda and FannyAnn Viola Eddy of Sierra Leone to mention a few,” Mukasa said.

With funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, SIDA, CAL has already sets up a safe house for LGBT human rights defenders in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“The safe home is not only open to activists in times of crises but also open when they are crashing mentally. We encourage the mental stability of activists and promote their psycho-social welfare by also admitting them into the safe home at CAL’s expense,” said Mukasa.

The human rights defenders project has now been launched in West Africa and activity will spread soon to the Eastern and Southern Africa regions.

WEST AFRICA LGBTI RIGHTS ACTIVISTS REPORT COUNTRY SITUATIONS

2011-09-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

LGBTI activists from English-speaking West Africa attending a Human Rights Defenders workshop in Lagos organized by the Coalition of African Lesbians

Nigeria
Rashidi Williams: Queer Alliance Nigeria
We have trained media personnel in reporting issues of sexual diversity and human rights and involved more LGBTI persons in the movement for the rights of LGBTI in Nigeria. Recently, 40 media professionals were trained by INCRESE (the International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights) on reporting issues of sexual diversity and human rights.
This activity will build and sustain alliances to have more positive reports on sexual diversity. Now, we have more LGBTI individuals involved in the movement for the rights of LGBTI in Nigeria.
We have implemented sexual health, sexual diversity, human rights and HIV projects across the country. Consequently, we have improved access to information and HIV service provision to reach more LGBTI individuals. The LGBTI community displayed a courageous attitude at the National Assembly.
Courtesy of TIER, Queer Alliance Nigeria as a young movement has advocated for the rights of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). Also, in 2010 TIER published a book ‘Unspoken Rights’ which is applicable to the Nigerian context.
In addition, MSM have been identified as a high-risk group and included in the national strategic plan of the National Agency for the Control of Aids.
Opportunities abound for the continued human rights advocacy for LGBT people in Nigeria. The current sexual diversity and human rights project of INCRESE remains a focal point of entry to begin dialogue with both the state and non-state actor in the field of human rights. Other opportunities include research development to identify areas for scaling up services for the LGBT community. Advocacy efforts will lead to expansion of programming targeting LGBT community.
Human rights defence in Nigeria is challenging and discouraging. Irrespective of the country’s being a signatory to regional and international human rights instruments, Nigeria separates human rights into justiciable and non-justiciable (whether or not an issue is liable to be brought before a court for trial). In particular, subsidiary legislation like the penal and criminal codes hinder human rights.
For instance, Section 214 of the Criminal Code Act provides offences against morality as unnatural offences. The application of the penal code has affected program implementation in the Northern part of the country, thus, limiting the LGBT community with limited access to services.
According to a survey carried out by INCRESE between 2007 and 2008, the study found Northern Nigeria has more homosexuals and is most hostile to them. The situation has made it difficult for organization working on issues of sexual minorities to work in the North.
Other challenges such as assault, threats, homophobic attacks, and blackmail are also issues HRDs face in Nigeria. Discourse about gender expressions, identities and sexual orientation are still built on myths and assumptions. Death threats, verbal and physical assaults, misquote and misinterpretation from the media and arrest are some of the issues the LGBT communities face. The work of human rights defenders in Nigeria is threatened as a result of the work they do.

The Gambia
Akeem Yayah, LGBT group
With the coordination from the National Aids Secretariat, the group conducted a Behavioural Sentinel Survey, in which 65 MSM around the country were identified. Support from the Global Fund and the President of the National Aids Supporting Organization strengthened us to form an organization.
In addition to an earlier survey implemented, we carried out a Bio-Behavioural study and have captured 150 MSM.
Despite our achievements, we have faced numerous challenges which include: the Criminalization Act, political statements made by the president and the unwillingness of other stakeholders to accept the LGBT community.
Also, there exists a low knowledge and understanding of LGBT amongst the community, inclusion of lesbians in the group has been difficult, there has been unfriendly behaviour displayed by group members, and a nationalistic concept of the group with regards to leadership. This has resulted in difficulty in getting participants to take part in the survey. Also, unethical principles have evolved for example, a colleague’s personal email was read and the person was fired.
The survey with the National Aids Secretariat will help to identify areas for future programming for MSM in the Gambia thereby creating opportunities for future activities and programs. In moving forward, possible strategies include establishing a formal MSM organization, integrated MSM/HIV and sexual health program targeting MSM, and organizing workshop and seminars on HIV/Aids, STIs and other capacity building programs for the group. In addition, conducting on-going sensitization for LGBT, organizing a study tour in Senegal to learn about best practices and establishing care and support for HIV positive members.

Sierra Leone
Hudson Tucker, Dignity Association
LGBTI issues exist in the country because of the secrecy surrounding homosexual conduct, the unwillingness of victims to report abuse and the tendency for communities to discriminate against LGBTI individuals, rather than to enforce legal codes.
There is very little written evidence to support the claims of abuse in Sierra Leone. Being visible and keeping the office open has been a key achievement. Recognition of the issues of homosexuality from reports has led to sensitization of individuals.
LGBTI issues have been brought up at different meetings. Dialogues have been held with the police and other stakeholders on the need for high-risk populations to identify strategies to address these anti-gay laws. A positive relationship with the police has been initiated and as a result, even though the anti-gay laws still exist, they have not being used for quite some time now.
However, these laws can be used at any time thereby threatening the existence and functionality of the LGBTI movement in Sierra Leone. This is a barrier in the progress of LGBTI activism in Sierra Leone.
There have been multiple threats against activists and HRDs. LGBTI groups have been refused registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The government of Sierra Leone has no acts of parliament protecting the rights of LGBT persons in the country. Religion, culture and tradition are very intolerant to any form of sexual behaviour outside the “norm.”

Liberia
Nahnkamy N. Reeves, Action Aid Liberia (AAL)
For the past five years, the general human rights situation has been a consolidation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and human rights activists. Focus has been on sexual violence, the rights of women, HIV/Aids, the rule of law and women rights. The country does not have a law that criminalizes LGBT.
However, the social mainstream is charged with religious intensity, which in a way stigmatizes or raises moral questions around the rights of people to exercise their right to freedom of choice. As a result, LGBTI issues are on the back burner of human rights activism.
Sexual minorities have not asserted their rights in a manner that the informal society is aware of their presence and needs. The perceptions of LGBT have not provided key actors with the knowledge they need to regard LGBT as a human rights issue.
Also, most Liberians regard being gay or lesbian not as a sexual orientation, but as a means of sexual exploitation. Research has shown that gays and lesbians are reluctant to come to the forefront of the rights movement and are either closeted or underground. There is also fear of stigma and discrimination and a lack of solidarity by human rights activists, CSOs to advocate for the rights of LGBT. People are not aware that homosexuals exist and some people perceive the issue from a religious standpoint.
We lack an official voice for the LGBT community by the LGBT people. Intolerant and resistant social mainstream is exacerbated by a high subscription to religious orientation. Our opportunities include the fact that the Liberian constitution does not have negative and punitive laws to criminalize LGBT. The UNDP has asked AAL to come up with a country context document around LGBT. The situation in Liberia can be described as being difficult.

Ghana
Anita Confidence Cobbinah, CEPEHRG
We have created a Coalition Against Homophobia in Ghana (CAHG). Like many of the British ex-colonies under the criminal code “unnatural carnal knowledge” is illegal in Ghana. Unnatural carnal knowledge is not clearly defined, however, it is understood that this includes male-male sex acts especially sodomy or buggery.
Furthermore, under the constitution, sexual rights are not specifically protected. In this context, attacks and death threats are typical, especially against homosexual males. The media has written sensational articles that are flawed with inaccuracies on the influence, size, nature and desires of homosexual individuals. Black mail, violence, hate crimes, sensationalist and homophobic articles on homosexuality occur virtually every day. People have refused to attend outreach programs for fear of being tagged a homosexual.
In the past, staff have been subjected to assaults on their way to the office or while doing fieldwork and outreach programs. On one occasion, a car intentionally hit a member of staff and another was harassed by a group of men while walking on the road. These incidents happened because of their sexual orientation.
There have been several articles by politicians and government labelling homosexuals as irreligious and immoral. Also, there has been several state sponsored anti gay campaign. The media has said that homosexuals are recruiting young boys so people need to protect their young ones.
A woman was disqualified from being on the board of the West African Lawyers Association because she said the rights of homosexuals should be respected. In order to update our security measures to meet the existing threats, we have compiled a list of measures and materials we currently use to protect ourselves. We have also made a list of items and measures needed to protect ourselves.

Study reveals MSM as marginalised group in HIV treatment and prevention

2011-08-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

A recent global study has disclosed that MSM (men who have sex with men) are a marginalized group of people with little access to basic HIV prevention tools.

According to the survey of over 5,000 men, less than half of MSM around the world have easy access to lifesaving HIV prevention and treatment services.

The survey carried out by Global Forum on MSM and HIV is titled, Access to HIV Prevention Strategies and Attitudes about Emerging Strategies.

The survey is the first of its kind to examine levels of access and knowledge regarding HIV services – including emerging prevention interventions like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – among MSM across all major world regions.

The study also showed that 36 per cent had access to HIV treatment while 27 per cent said it was available but hard to access, or that treatment was not available, or that they have never heard of HIV treatment.
According to the survey only 44 per cent had access to free condoms and 29 per cent could obtain lubricant.
The report further indicated that Africa showed the highest levels of stigma and external homophobia while both Africa and Asia-Pacific reported the highest levels of internalized homophobia.

The report quoted George Ayala, Executive Officer of the MSMGF saying, “The results of this study lay bare the enormous role that homophobia plays in undermining the global response to HIV. Even the most effective prevention, care and treatment tools are useless if discrimination prevents gay men from accessing healthcare services in the first place. More than anything, this data is a call to action.”

Pato Hebert, Senior Education Associate at the MSMGF was quoted saying, “Across the board, the trend is alarming – men who have sex with men are not able to access the services they need. But just below the surface, we find that those barriers are enormously complex, varying according to age, region, and other factors. We will need smart, locally-tailored responses to overcome these challenges.”
The report sought to answer whether globally MSM are being equipped to protect themselves and their communities and the study showed that the answer appears to be an unequivocal, no.

Statement on the International Day agaianst Homophobia and Transphobia 2011

2011-05-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

Queer Alliance Nigeria

Statement on the International Day against Homophobia 2011

Fellow Countrymen,

Around the world today, the campaign against injustice on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is being marked. It may not be a popular day as compared with other dates on the calendar of the United Nations or national activities, but it also a day in which the United Nations stand in solidarity with all sexual minorities/organizations and progressive human rights group in calling for a climate of tolerance towards everyone irrespective of their perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity. As Nigerian citizens, we are also joining our voices in calling for this tolerance and to remind our government, religious bodies, media, schools and the general public that we may be run out of our churches, mosques, homes, jobs and neighborhood, but we cannot be run out of this nation because our contribution to national development is also needed. Most especially also, that Nigeria remains our country and this is the country we want to live in.

Permit me to on behalf of the sexual minorities’ communities in Nigeria congratulate the President-elect, President Goodluck Jonathan on his victory at the just concluded polls. Our message also goes out to all those who contested the elections but lost. It is not a loss per se but a step further in the development of our dear country. Barely two weeks from now, a new administration would be sworn-in to lead the quest for the development of the country for the next four years. Allegiance would be sworn by all those who won their election bid with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whilst during the electioneering; power, job creation, improved education, fight against corruption amongst other pertinent issues surfaced as issues to be address in the next dispensation, one notable election promise was the 35% that was promised to the women on the Goodluck/Sambo ticket. The sexual minorities’ communities welcome this initiative which will believe will propel gender equity and development, linked to the rights of the Nigerian women which inevitable includes lesbian and bisexual women.

At this point in the history of our country, it is important to note that we are going through a period in which the decisive support for the rule of law, principles of freedom of speech, artistic and intellectual expression, association, religious liberty, dignity of the Human Person, freedom from discrimination, an open society and the respect/recognition of the rights of all Nigerians have become an absolute necessity. These are also revolutionary times all over the world. The world is beginning to revolt against old systems of exploitation and oppression – whatever the form of oppression be it civil, political, religious - paving way for a world in which justice and equality are fundamental issues. But we must not also forget that the world is revolting against oppression on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Nigeria should not remain indifferent; it must lead the way in Africa.

Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every citizen their fundamental human rights. The Chapter IV of the constitution gives a list these rights. Notable is the Right to the Dignity of the Human Person, The Right to Freedom from Discrimination and The Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association. Our ratification to international covenants and laws (notably Universal Declaration on Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women etc.), recognizes the fact that we know and acknowledge that sexual orientation and gender identity is and should be a protected clause in the context of human rights.

The Right to Freedom from Discrimination has been interpreted internationally to also from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. While the constitution endorse the Right to Freedom from Discrimination, discriminatory and repressive laws found in the Penal And Criminal Codes of the nation gives a breeding ground for the perpetration of hate crimes and violations of human rights on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country.

In Nigeria violence against sexual minorities are frequent and occur on a daily basis, mostly under-reported. People with same sex orientation are being attacked by members of the society, using these discriminatory laws and religious texts to fuel their acts. These people go unpunished for these dastardly acts. Discriminatory laws found in the penal and Criminal Codes also prevent sexual minorities from seeking redress because state actors, especially law enforcement agencies use these laws to further abuse and violate their human rights. Edge, a Boston based news site for the gay community reports that a man in Lagos was attacked and killed by a gang claiming “they were ‘cleansing’ Lagos of homosexuals” (Edge 17 April 2008). So also the death of Innua Yakubu, a student of the Government College, Jigawa in 2002 was premised on the basis of him being gay by his classmates.

In September 2008, members of the House of Rainbow, Metropolitan Community Church, a gay-friendly church based in Lagos were harassed by the public and police. This harassment began when national dailies published personal information about church members and the Pastor. The safety of the Pastor, Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay was at risk, making him flee the country in which he grew up. These examples violate the Right to the Dignity of the Human Person, The Right to Freedom from Discrimination and The Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association, which are guaranteed in the constitution. On the 12th of April 2010, my friend and I were attacked as we walked down the neighbourhood in the evening. Since this incident I have been careful of the places I go when evening falls within my own community. Countless examples abound in the country on violence and hate crimes committed on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity with impunity.

The provisions in the Penal and Criminal Code allows for the rampant abuse of the rights of sexual minorities. It has been the breeding ground for all kinds of assault, abuse and violence that sexual minorities face. From discrimination by state actors and non-state actors to family and societal rejection, sexual minorities will remains victims of homophobia and other forms of abuses, if the laws remain unchanged and nothing is done when peoples’ rights are violated on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Nigeria’s signatory to international treaties and covenants that protect from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity must reflect in the nation’s application of the rule of law and the principles of freedom. Fundamental human rights that are accorded to everyone in the constitution must not be in conflict with other laws of the land which fuels discrimination and violence. The constitution remains the guiding document for us all in Nigeria, and its contents under Chapter IV must be respected and made to take full force, such that violation of human rights on whatever grounds becomes a criminal offence. Hence, these laws need be reviewed, repealed or amended. This is the first step in ridding our society of intolerance and hatred based on perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity.

Sexuality is not a dark part of man’s life that must be shrouded in secrecy. But is a rare gift of life from the creator that must be expressed lovingly. No one should suffer abuse and violence based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. The law should aid in helping members of the society respect one another’s sexuality.

As a country we do not need a religiously ordered society but a spiritually ordered mind that will propel us to love our neighbors as ourselves irrespective of our civil, political, religious and sexual differences. This in turn will transpire out into the socially ordered Nigerian society that we all yearn for. We must re-orientate ourselves from a ‘thing-centered’ perspective to ‘person-oriented’ perspective. Archbishop Desmond Tutu captures it all: Sexual orientation, like skin color, is another feature of our diversity as a human family. Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people? Does God love his dark- or his light-skinned children less? The brave more than the timid? And do any of us know the mind of God so well that we can decide for him who is included, and who is excluded, from the circle of his love? My rights affects and is linked with your rights too.

Our own, Noble Laureate, Wole Soyinka, who with other distinguished African writer have condemned the wave of hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity sweeping across Africa: We wish to state emphatically that homosexuality is neither a sin nor a social or cultural construct. It is a biological given. Homosexuals are human beings like everybody else. Scientific research has been helpful in clearing the fog of ignorance entrenched by some religious texts in regards to homosexuality. Our opinions of same sex oriented persons must change for the better just as our opinion of slavery has changed even though it was endorsed by those same religious texts. All violence against gays and people deemed to be gay in Africa must cease forthwith.

Today we call on every citizen to abide by the principle of ‘love your neighbour as yourself’f and not love your neighbour as yourself unless he/she is gay. As the most populous nation in Africa and in our self-acclamation as the giant of Africa, we should lead the way in the respect for the rule of law and principles of freedom. As a country wanting to be among the 20 most developed nation by the year 2020, we cannot afford not to protect the rights of everyone. The protection of these rights would result in an enabling environment for the development of the individual and the nation holistically. Our nation should be known as a land in which the diversity of the human family is appreciated, respected and recognized.

We also call on African governments to learn from the South African example by expunging from their laws all provisions that criminalize homosexuality or treat persons with these orientation as unworthy of the same rights and entitlements as other citizens. African states must protect the rights of their citizens to freedom and dignity. People must not be denied these rights on the basis on who they attracted to.

Today we call on all African governments, especially governments of sub-Saharan African countries to:

• Decriminalize homosexuality and repeal all forms of discriminatory laws that impede the growth of every individual

• Legislate to criminalize violence and human rights abuse on the basis of perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity

• Uphold the fundamental human rights of their citizens, most especially sexual minorities

Let us appreciate the diversity that is present in our different societies and countries, of which sexual diversity is part. We are all unique and different. It is this uniqueness and difference that completes our humanity. Let us display the spirit of humanity towards each other.

As we use today to call and clamor for the respect and recognition of sexual minorities’ and a climate of tolerances, we urge our governments, legislators and policy makers to look back, reflect and repeal laws that deny citizens their fundamental rights and make them objects of violence and abuse in their respective communities. We look forward to the day that our rights as sexual minorities shall be upheld and protected constitutionally in Nigeria and across the sub-region region.

God Bless Nigeria and Long Live Africa.

ACTIVISTS DISSCUSS SAME SEX ISSUES IN AFRICA –ASSGD CONFERENCE

2011-02-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

The first ever African Same Sex Sexualities and Gender Diversity (ASSGD) conference came to an end on Wednesday, 16 February with a media conference aimed at tabling major outcomes of the conference.Touching on various topics, the conference intended to “identify and celebrate indigenous and evolving male and female same-sex sexual practices, identities and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, including expressions of gender diversity, and to promote their social acceptance and their physical and social well-being.”
This conference, a first of its kind saw over 80 gay rights activists, human rights defenders and scholars from 20 African countries descending to Pretoria’s Faircity Roodevallei Conference and Meeting hotel from 13-16 February.
“The conference was quite diverse in that it brought together academics and activists, a first press conference of its kind that brings a whole range of people together in a very focused way to look at what we know also giving us knowledge about the continent on issues relating to male and female same sex sexual practices in Sub-Saharan Africa” Professor Vasu Reddy of Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said.
“It was not just a conference where people presented papers on ideas and research but it was also a conference that showed a visual dimension through portraits of transgender activists largely and photographs of experiences from Malawi”, He added.
Linda Bouman, Director of Outright Namibia said, “what I think was significant about this space, was that it brought about research that has been done over the continent that has never been known by people and those strategies that have been shared in terms of how the interventions around the research findings have gone around and how other countries can learn from those lessons and implement in their countries.”
The conference further aimed to “explore how social and structural factors affect the well-being and health of persons engaging in same-sex sexual practices and identify ways of reducing vulnerability.”

This is why on the second day of the conference participants heard stories about blackmail and extortion of LGBTI persons from Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria, followed by an educational discussion about blackmail.

It was also revealed that activists still face harassment death due to criminalization of same sex practices making it difficult for LGBTI people to access services.

It was further revealed that several initiatives have been implemented that reach out to MSM, but these initiatives are not enough hence it was agreed that educating and training health care workers to deliver unbiased services is needed.

“One of the speakers expected to be here was David Kato. He was on the list as a guest speaker and we kept his name on the programme, we had a very moving moment of silence when his presentation was due to take place and in the evening we had a tribute for him”, said Theo Sandfort of Columbia University.

Participating Organisations included African Men for Sexual Health and Rights, Behind the Mask, Human Science Research Council amongst others.

MALAWI EXPANDS LAWS ON HOMOSEXUALITY

2010-12-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Malawi's parliament passed a bill criminalising sex between two women and it now goes to President Bingu wa Mutharika for his signature. Malawi's penal code currently prohibits sex between two men and the law was applied in the case of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza who were sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour for celebrating their love with a traditional same-sex ceremony. The couple were pardoned by President Bingu wa Muthairka on May 30th. The expansion of the law criminalising homosexuality has drawn condemnation from the Association for Secular Humanism in Malawi and the German government, the Nyasa Times reports.

The Malawian parliament has passed a bill proposed by the Government to criminalize homosexuality between women which has attracted criticism from Association for Secular Humanism in Malawi and German government.

Unlike homosexual relations between men, female homosexuality was not previously contained in the penal code. The bill was introduced as a bid to ensure greater equality between men and women.

Markus Löning, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy, said in a statement in reaction to the law: “The German Government sees the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality as a core human rights concern. In this regard, the criminalization of female homosexuality in Malawi is a serious setback.

“I urge President Mutharika of Malawi not to sign this legislation and instead to honour his declared commitment to work for the decriminalization of homosexuality in his country.”

The Association for Secular Humanism in Malawi through its Executive Director George Thindwa said in a statement that Attorney General Dr. Jane Assah should resign because of conflict interest as she is a Bishop of a Pentecostal Christian Church a development that is inconsistent with her role as an impartial advisor to government on legal matters.

“We are concerned that her extreme religious beliefs and personal moral code may be a cause for bias in the general application of constitutional human rights in respect of homosexuals. She should recuse herself from giving official opinions or representing Malawi on such issues,” reads the statement made available to Nyasa Times.

Secular Humanism said criminalization of homosexuals is a retrogressive and unconstitutional move as “the private behaviour of consenting adults that does no harm to another is no legitimate concern of the state”.

”Individual’s or group’s perception of what is repulsive, likewise, has no place in our laws. Knowledge changes with time. Current scientific knowledge as to the causes of homosexuality clearly shows that it is genetic or that it occurs in the womb,” said the statement.

It adds: “While it is not the normal natural state it is, in fact, a natural state. Homosexuals have no choice as to sexuality. Homosexuality may be considered as a third sex. There should be no criminalisation of a condition that is natural.”.

The association ‘observes that “there are many Malawian homosexuals who have never had any contact with westerners or so-called ‘homosexual culture’.”.

The association urges President Bingu wa Mutharika to “ withhold consent to the Bill”.

Attorney General Dr. Jane Assah recently appeared before the UN Human Rights Council for Malawi's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland where she defended Malawi's treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons.

After negotiating the release of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had asked Members of Parliament to update laws discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation to reflect international standards.

LGBTI NIGERIA SAY HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE

2010-10-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

It is with great nostalgia that I Rashidi Williams on behalf of the Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community in Nigeria congratulates Nigeria on 50years of nationhood. The LGBTI community together with all Nigeria this day say a big thank you our founding fathers for the non relentless struggle for independence from our colonial masters - the British.
Today marks the beginning of another phase/journey in the history of our great country. Nigeria remains a great country of good people in the midst of diversity. We remain united in the midst of all our troubles from the civil wars in the 1960s, the Boko Haram insurgence, the Jos Crisis amongst many other national challenge that our country is bedeviled with. Our unity as a nation keeps going from strength to strength. Who do we say the thank you to – the British who by an Act of their Parliament declared us a independent nation this day in 1960 or our hero of independence who fought so that Nigeria may be what she was destined to be .
While this is time that we all must celebrate as a nation and as individual citizens of this great nation, it is also a time when we as a nation and as individuals also engage in reflective thinking as to what each one of us can do to make Nigeria the country of our dreams – a land flowing with milk and honey. I deed there is already milk and honey flowing in all directions. Th question is where is the Leadership that will propel us out as a nation with great potentials even than the so called super power of the world at present.The time has come for Nigeria to arise from its slumber as we move into another era of nationhood.
The time for Nigeria to show unprecedented leadership in the affairs of the Africa and the World is no other time but now. Now is the day of the great challenge of leadership looking straight into the face of every Nigeria and awaiting right opportunity for us grab it and use it(positive leadership) to propel Nigeria forward. It is especially calling on all political office seekers who wants to rulke Nigeria in the next dispensation.
The LGBTI community in Nigeria cannot wait for that time when the culture that values openness and shuns impunity and the violation of fundamental human rights principles and standards. A time when Nigeria can say to all its citizens that equality before the law is for all Nigerians irrespective of status(sexual orientation). A time when the LGBTI will be given the opportunity to showcase to the rest of Nigeria the potential that is in us as individuals and communities. The LGBTI community wishes to state in clearly that Freedom , the respect for human rights and the rule are essentaility to the socio-economic development of our country. Developing Nigeria means building and developing the capacity of each individual citizens to contribute to national development. This cannot be done in fear – fear that our own very lives are at stake in our own country with legislation/laws that discriminates against us as human beings and as Nigerian citizens.We believe that the next political administration/dispensation will do what it takes to ratify the International Human Rights treaties/conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory locally.
As we go into the last quarter of the year and also approach an election year in a festive mood, the LGBTI community in Nigeria calls upon all aspiring political office seekers to conduct their electioneering void of violence but rather concentrate on winning the hearts of Nigeria as to what they will do if the mantle of leading the giant of Africa falls on their shoulders. The LGBTI community supports the one man one vote initiative and urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to repeat the June 1993 history.
Happy 50th Independence Anniversary.
Long Live Nigeria!
Long Live Africa!

Lesbian Pride in Soweto..................

2010-09-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

10
Lesbian Pride on Full Display in Soweto
Lesbians marched through the streets of the Soweto township in South Africa for Soweto Pride Day in an environment where they are often victims of sexual violence, IOLNews reports.

Thousands of black lesbians were due to take to the streets of Soweto today to celebrate their sexuality and humanity at the annual Soweto Pride Day.

Soweto Pride, which was initiated in 2004 by the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), aims to promote tolerance of sexual diversity in the township.

The event will also commemorate and honour Soweto’s fallen victims and survivors of crimes motivated by prejudice – including migrants facing xenophobic violence and other minority groups that are stigmatised and discriminated against.

Soweto Pride is held every year on the Saturday closest to Heritage Day, and includes a lively protest march from the streets of Zone Two Meadowlands and through the residential and business areas of Soweto.

A political programme at the end-point is followed by a cultural programme to celebrate the struggles and victories of black lesbians, as the broader women’s movement and as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Community, religious and political leaders have been invited to denounce hate crimes in their speeches at the event. These were to be followed by various activities, including an exhibition and voluntary counselling and testing.

Soweto Pride is also an occasion for the lesbian community to continue to create a political and social space for its visibility and to amplify its voice.

According to FEW’s programme co-ordinator, Phindi Malaza, the event is an opportunity for the broader community to express its solidarity and support of lesbians.

“The goal of Soweto Pride is to ensure that lesbians residing in the township no longer fall victim to homophobic attacks or any other crime. We want lesbians to feel safe and protected during this day and beyond,” says Malaza.

UPR Kenya United Nations Human Right Council Geneva

2010-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

UPR Kenya United Nations Human Right Council Geneva

15th Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 6: Universal Periodic Review – Statement by
Action Canada for Population and Development (ACPD)

Mr. President,

ACPD with Minority Women in Action, the Coalition of African Lesbians and Pan Africa ILGA, wishes to stress the following points in relation to the Universal Periodic Review of Kenya:

We welcome the State’s support on various recommendations including the promise to review national laws to fully uphold the principle of non-discrimination, eradicate the use of torture and ill-treatment by public officials and take effective measures to safeguard the work of human rights defenders. We also recall the State’s ratification of various international and regional human rights instruments including the protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa.

However, we express disappointment that the Kenyan government has rejected recommendations to take measures to provide for the protection and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. The criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct encoded in Sections 162 and 165 of the Penal Code fuels stigma, discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Human rights are universal, inalienable and inherent. These principles apply to all citizens of Kenya including lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex Kenyans.

The importance of human rights was emphasized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in a high-level panel at the current session of the Human Rights Council who said:

“No doubt deeply rooted cultural sensitivities can be aroused when we talk about sexual orientation. Social attitudes run deep and take time to change. But cultural considerations should not stand in the way of basic human rights.”

LGBTI Kenyans are repeatedly discriminated against and continue to face threats and violence as well as torture, ill-treatment and harassment at the hands of public authorities simply because of who we are and who we love. We regret the silence of the State in the face of these violations, such as in the highly publicized attach on 12 February, 2010 in Mtwapa targeting homosexual individuals that saw organized physical violence, life threats and hate speech.

In this dawn of a new constitutional dispensation, we urge the State of Kenya to seize this moment and respect, protect and fulfill the rights of all Kenyans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. Our rights, the rights of LGBTI people, are human rights.

MCROBE KILLING GEL FOR USE DURING VAGIANL INTERCOURSE

2010-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

A microbe-killing gel for use during vaginal sex developed by the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) has been praised by experts at the 18th International AIDS Conference in Vienna as a breakthrough that may lead to similar products being developed for use during anal sex.

The gel contains 1 percent of the antiretroviral drug Tenofovir and was found to reduce a woman’s risk of being infected with HIV during vaginal intercourse by 39 percent, as well as being 51 percent effective in reducing her risk of catching genital herpes.

The more the women in the trial used the gel, the greater the protective effect, with women who used it in 80 percent of sex acts more than halving their chances of becoming infected with HIV.

The results were cheered by members of the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) group, a network of people trying to develop an effective anal microbicide for use in combating HIV.

“The positive results from the CAPRISA 004 study represent a very significant milestone in HIV prevention research and they increase optimism that we can develop safe and effective antiretroviral rectal microbicides,” IRMA’s scientific vice-chair Dr Ian McGowan said.

Dr McGowan said anal intercourse was a common human sexual behaviour, practised by up to 10 percent of the world’s population, including both heterosexuals and men who have sex with men.

“As with vaginal microbicides, safe and effective rectal microbicides are urgently needed by millions of people,” he said.

Unprotected anal intercourse is said to be 10 to 20 times more likely to result in HIV transmission compared to unprotected vaginal intercourse, because of the thin and porous nature of the rectal lining.

IRMA chair Jim Pickett said internationally, gay men and others who practised anal intercourse had been largely ignored.

“There is a paucity of data regarding anal intercourse, homosexual and heterosexual, due to politics, stigma, criminalisation, and outright denial,” he said.

IDAHO 2010: STATEMENT BY QUEER ALLIANCE NIGERIA

2010-05-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF PRESS
NIGERIA

International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia 2010
A Statement by Queer Alliance Nigeria.

We are here today as citizens of Nigeria to add our voice against homophobia and transphobia and to remind our government, religious bodies, media, people and society that they may run us out of their churches, mosques, homes, jobs and neighborhood, but they cannot run us out of this nation nor reduce the love of God that includes us. This year’s International Day against Homophobia and transphobia is on the theme: Religions, homophobia, transphobia.
We are gathered here today as active players in the social and political development of our great nation. As activist and pressmen we share a lot in common and we have responsibility and a honorable tradition in promoting human rights for all Nigerian citizens. We therefore have come together to raise our voices using your platform to address against a particular and peculiar form of discrimination and violence against a vulnerable sub population. It is speaking out for our lives and rights: International Day against Homophobia and transphobia.
The world over, the influence of religion cannot be overstated. Religion is one single important aspect of our lives as human beings. It plays a very significant part in our everyday lives, choices and decision. And with all influence we cannot but also talk about the ills that are also associated with using the religion and its influence for the wrong purpose. Organized religion as we all know is a factor responsible for some of the world’s most dreaded atrocities. The Boko – Haram insurgence, the Jos Crisis, and many others are among the ills that its influence has brought about. In March 2009, during the public hearing on the Same Gender (Prohibition) Act, religion played a very prominent role through its leaders.
It is a sad situation in deed that religion which is supposed to be a rallying point for all irrespective of our differences is now a dividing bridge and a platform for the both state and non state orchestrated violence. It is also saddening to know that some religious leaders are behind the scene.
While religion is the main fuel for homophobia and transphobia, the reality is that our religious leaders in Nigeria and the African Continent have practically refused to explore to understand the concept of sexuality, orientation and diversity. We believe that sexuality is not a dark part of man’s life that must be shrouded in secrecy. But is a rare gift of life from the creator that must be expressed lovingly. Religious leaders could help explore this concept and its relation with religion and spirituality.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the right to association, freedom of speech and several other non alienable rights. Our country is also a signatory to international conventions, notably is Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the African Charter on Human Rights which protects sexual minorities, the ratification of which we are yet to witness locally. At this point in the history of our country, we are going through a period in which the decisive support for the rule of law, principles of freedom of speech, artistic and intellectual expression, association, religious liberty, an open society and the respect and recognition of the rights of sexual minorities’ in Nigeria have become an absolute necessity. It is our hope that our great nation through its religious leaders can provide support for all human rights that are entitled to all Nigerians without borders and also help develop it elsewhere. It is also our hope that our religious leaders can come to the table and dialogue with us.
As a country we do not need a religiously ordered society but a religiously and spiritually ordered mind that will propel us to love our neighbors as ourselves irrespective of our sexual and other differences. This in turn will then transpire out into the socially ordered Nigerian society that we all yearn for.
As we use today to call and clamor for the respect and recognition of sexual minorities’ in Nigeria, we look forward to the day that our rights as sexual minorities shall be upheld and protected constitutionally.

QUEER ALLIANCE NIGERIA

Portugal to Sign Gay Marrialge Bill

2010-04-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

Portugal’s top court gives gay marriage green light

There is something to celebrate for gay couples in Portugal.

Having won parliament’s backing for same-sex marriage, the Constitutional Court has now given its green light to the measure.

The signature of Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva is now all that is needed to make the bill law. He sent it to the country’s top court last month, after expressing doubts over whether it was constitutional.

But the tribunal’s president Rui Moura Ramos explained why no problems were found with the proposal. While it does not fit the traditional concept of marriage, as outlined in the constitution, he said this concept is open and can evolve.

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva has 20 days to either veto the legislation or sign it into law. If it is ratified, it would come into effect just ahead of a visit to the staunchly Roman Catholic country by Pope Benedict XVI.

AFRICA AND HUMAN RIGHTS BY ARC. DESMOND TUTU

2010-03-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

In Africa, a step backward on human rights

By Desmond Tutu
Friday, March 12, 2010

Hate has no place in the house of God. No one should be excluded from our love, our compassion or our concern because of race or gender, faith or ethnicity -- or because of their sexual orientation. Nor should anyone be excluded from health care on any of these grounds. In my country of South Africa, we struggled for years against the evil system of apartheid that divided human beings, children of the same God, by racial classification and then denied many of them fundamental human rights. We knew this was wrong. Thankfully, the world supported us in our struggle for freedom and dignity.

This Story
Love all God's children, straight or gay
How culture wars are won
It is time to stand up against another wrong.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are part of so many families. They are part of the human family. They are part of God's family. And of course they are part of the African family. But a wave of hate is spreading across my beloved continent. People are again being denied their fundamental rights and freedoms. Men have been falsely charged and imprisoned in Senegal, and health services for these men and their community have suffered. In Malawi, men have been jailed and humiliated for expressing their partnerships with other men. Just this month, mobs in Mtwapa Township, Kenya, attacked men they suspected of being gay. Kenyan religious leaders, I am ashamed to say, threatened an HIV clinic there for providing counseling services to all members of that community, because the clerics wanted gay men excluded.

Uganda's parliament is debating legislation that would make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment, and more discriminatory legislation has been debated in Rwanda and Burundi.

These are terrible backward steps for human rights in Africa.

Our lesbian and gay brothers and sisters across Africa are living in fear.

And they are living in hiding -- away from care, away from the protection the state should offer to every citizen and away from health care in the AIDS era, when all of us, especially Africans, need access to essential HIV services. That this pandering to intolerance is being done by politicians looking for scapegoats for their failures is not surprising. But it is a great wrong. An even larger offense is that it is being done in the name of God. Show me where Christ said "Love thy fellow man, except for the gay ones." Gay people, too, are made in my God's image. I would never worship a homophobic God.

"But they are sinners," I can hear the preachers and politicians say. "They are choosing a life of sin for which they must be punished." My scientist and medical friends have shared with me a reality that so many gay people have confirmed, I now know it in my heart to be true. No one chooses to be gay. Sexual orientation, like skin color, is another feature of our diversity as a human family. Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people? Does God love his dark- or his light-skinned children less? The brave more than the timid? And does any of us know the mind of God so well that we can decide for him who is included, and who is excluded, from the circle of his love?

The wave of hate must stop. Politicians who profit from exploiting this hate, from fanning it, must not be tempted by this easy way to profit from fear and misunderstanding. And my fellow clerics, of all faiths, must stand up for the principles of universal dignity and fellowship. Exclusion is never the way forward on our shared paths to freedom and justice.

The writer is archbishop emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
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VATICAN AND GAY SEX SCANDAL

2010-03-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

The Vatican has been hit by a gay sex scandal after allegations that a chorister had procured male prostitutes for a papal gentleman-in-waiting.

The chorister, 29-year-old Thomas Chinedu Ehiem, was sacked after police heard him talking on a wiretap to Angelo Balducci, a Gentleman of His Holiness.

Papal gentlemen-in-waiting are called upon to act as ushers at the Vatican for major occasions.

Balducci, who was also a construction consultant to the Vatican, as well as being a senior government employee, is said to given Ehiem a description of the men he wanted and it has been reported that Ehiem may have procured a number of male prostitutes for him.

Balducci was being investigated by police over allegations of corruption when the claims of gay sex were revealed. He is alleged to have steered government contracts towards preferred bidders.

Excerpts of the wiretaps and police documents were published in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

They showed that the pair had been in regular contact before Balducci was arrested last month and that they had discussed gay sex.

According to the newspaper, police said they were part of an organised male prostitution network and one of the men referred to was a student for the priesthood.

Baldacci remains in custody after being arrested last month. His lawyer has refused to comment and the Vatican has not released any statement on the claims.

A news magazine called Panoramas is due to publish an interview with Ehiem tomorrow. According to the Guardian, Ehiem will say: “”He [Baldacci] asked me if I could procure other men for him. He told me he was married and that I had to do it in great secrecy.”

The Catholic Church sees homosexuality as a sin and “intrinsically disordered”, while the Pope has spoken out against it a number of times.

The scandal is the latest to rock the Vatican, after investigations found endemic abuse of children in church-run institutio

Kenyan police raid 'gay wedding' and arrest five men

2010-02-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Police in Mtwapa, just north of the Kenyan coastal town of Mombasa, say they have arrested five men whom they accuse of being homosexuals.

District officer George Matandura said two of the men had been found with wedding rings, attempting to get married, in Kikambala beach resort.

The other three men were handed to the police by members of the public; two of them had reportedly been beaten.

Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya but arrests are extremely rare.

Crowds gathered outside the police station where the men were taken in protest at the presence of alleged homosexuals.

The wedding was reportedly due to take place at a private villa in the resort, but locals heard of the plans and alerted the police, who raided a house and arrested the men.

'Repugnant' behaviour

"We are grateful to the public for alerting the police. They should continue co-operating with the police to arrest more," Mr Matundura said.

"It is an offence, an unnatural offence, and also their behaviour is repugnant to the morality of the people."

We shall use all means to curb this vice
Sheikh Ali Hussein
Council of Imams and Preachers

The district officer said the five, aged between 20 and 35, would "undergo a medical examination before we charge them with homosexuality," the AFP news agency reported.

"We will move swiftly and close down bars which condone gays, lesbians, prostitution and drug abuse in their premises," Mr Matundura added.

A member of a Kenyan gay rights organisation condemned the arrests and said it had appealed to the Human Rights Commission to step in.

But the marriage allegedly planned was condemned by Muslim and Christian clerics.

"We cannot allow these young boys to ruin their future through homosexuality," Sheikh Ali Hussein of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya told AFP.

"We shall use all means to curb this vice."

Bishop Lawrence Chai, of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, said: "This is immoral and we shall not allow it, especially here in Mtwapa."

The five men are due to appear in court soon.

Media coverage

On Thursday, two other men abandoned their plans to get married at a seaside villa in the same area after local authorities complained.

The couple and their guests fled the coastal city when word spread that the police, government officers and members of the public were looking for them.

Apart from in South Africa, homosexual behaviour is illegal across Africa.

Four months ago a Kenyan gay couple married in London - an event which received wide media coverage inside Kenya.

UGADAN ANTI - HOMOSEXUALITY BILL: ANGLICANS AGAINST THE BILL

2010-02-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

The country’s Anglicans yesterday added their voice against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Like the Catholics before them, the Church of Uganda officially rejected the Bill.

They proposed that instead of the death penalty for gays who seduce boys - as the Bill put forward by Ndorwa West David Bahati demands – the law should be changed to ensure that vulnerable boys are properly protected.

Archbishop Luke Orombi, in his first public comments on the controversial Bill, however said they do not recognise homosexuality as “a human right”.
“The Church of Uganda believes that homosexual practice is incompatible with the Scripture,” the prelate said in a statement issued yesterday, citing a resolution of the 1998 Lambeth Conference in Britain.

He added: “At the same time, the Church of Uganda is committed at all levels to offer counseling, healing and prayer for people with homosexual disorientation, especially in our schools and other institutions of learning.”

“The Church is a safe place for individuals, who are confused about their sexuality or struggling with sexual brokenness, to seek help and healing. As a Church; we affirm the necessity of appropriate amendments within the existing legislation...”

Mr Bahati, who tabled the Bill last year, yesterday insisted in comments to Christians and pastors fellowshipping at Christian Life Church in Bwaise, a city suburb, that he is not giving up.

“As a Member of Parliament, I have a constitutional right to move a Private Member’s Bill and will not be shaken by any external forces because I have the support from within my country,” he said, adding: “Many Ugandans are behind me and we have to fight this battle jointly.”

However, the latest foray by Church of Uganda, which until last year played host and spiritual home for breakaway conformist American clerics/Anglicans disenchanted over acceptance of homosexuals in the Episcopal Church, deprives MP Bahati of the second biggest bloc after the Catholic Church here earlier raised objections to capital punishment embedded in the Bill.

According to Mr Bahati, the Bill seeks to legitimise marriage only as a union between a man and woman, penalise homosexuals, prohibit and or disown pro-gay treaties and freeze licensing of promoter organisations.

Some provisions of the Bill, including the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality, borderless jurisdiction and criminalisation of counseling of gays, have been criticised both locally and internationally, especially by human rights activists
US President Barack Obama, among other powerful western leaders, last week derided the Bill as “odious”, two months after President Museveni urged Parliament to go slow on it due to associated foreign policy sensitivity.

Sanctions plea
Yesterday’s statement sent to media houses by Church of Uganda’s Communications Director Amanda Onapito, specifically suggests changes to Sections 128-147 that variously touch on sexual-related offences such as indecent assault, homosexuality and defilement to ensure “proportionality” in sanctions.

“The ideal situation would be one where necessary amendment is made to existing legislation to also enumerate other sexual offences such as lesbianism and bestiality,” the statement, already endorsed by the House of Bishops, reads in part.

“This would not require a fresh Bill on homosexuality per se but rather an amendment to the existing provisions which would also change the title to something like: The Penal Code Unnatural Offences Amendment Bill.”

The Anglican Communion has in recent years stood on the edge of division on the issue of gays in the congregation with liberals backing their accommodation while conservatives detest the practice as “sinful and unbiblical”.Church of Uganda has sided with the conformists, helping organise the 2008 Global Anglican Future Conference in Jerusalem after boycotting the Lambeth Conference in London over Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan William’s perceived tolerance of gays.

Meanwhile, a man in Isingiro District in western Uganda was remanded in custody after being accused of sodomising a 13-year-old boy.

The prosecution told the court that the 27-year-old had waylaid the boy as he returned from grazing goats and threatened to stab him before forcing him into sex against “the order of nature”.
The magistrate in Mbarara said the evidence in the file was “too scanty to proceed” and he adjourned the hearing.

Ends

RWANDA PAVES WAY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS RESPECT FOR LGBTI

2010-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Rwanda paves the way for universal respect
of human rights in Africa by refusing
to criminalise homosexuality

In December 2009, the lower House of the Rwandan Parliament was set to vote upon a revised Penal Code, Article 217 of which would have made homosexuality a criminal offence for the first time in the East African nation.

Following a strong mobilisation from diplomats and human rights activists in the region, Tharcisse Karugarama, Minister of Justice, declared that the Rwandan government "cannot and will not in any way criminalize homosexuality", reaffirming that sexual orientation was "a private matter and each individual has his or her own orientation – this is not a State matter at all".

Michael Cashman MEP, Co-president of the European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights, enthusiastically congratulated Rwandan authorities on their decision: "In a context increasingly repressive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in African countries, Rwanda did the right thing by refusing to criminalise homosexuality. This is yet another example of Rwanda being a role-model for African nations."

Mr Cashman further added: "With this courageous decision, Rwanda is paving the way for everyone's human rights to be respected in the region. The European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights calls on other African nations to follow the lead of Rwanda, and abide by Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights."

Homosexuality is currently a criminal offence in several African countries, and punished by death in Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan, and potentially Uganda.

QUEER ALLIANCE NIGERIA -STRATEGIC PLANS

2010-01-13T02:31:00.000-08:00

QUEER ALLIANCE NIGERIA
Our rights… Our lives

OUR IDENTITY

THE VISION: The vision of Queer Alliance Nigeria is basically towards a non discriminatory Nigerian society especially on the grounds of sexual orientation and any other grounds.

THE MISSION: Queer Alliance Nigeria is a human rights and health advocacy / support group for the LGBTI community in Nigeria. Our mission statement is to facilitate an enabling environment for the liberation of LGBTI Nigeria through advocacy, education and publications. To provide health related information / services to the LGBTI community in Lagos and Nigeria.

Queer Alliance intends to achieve this mission through collaborations with other LGBTI organizations and human rights outfits, thereby creating and environment where the human rights of LGBTI persons are respected and recognized as members of the Nigerian society.

Queer Alliance will work for the establishment of a socially ordered community where sexual orientation shall not constitute a barrier to the attainment and enjoyments of all fundamental human rights and liberation that are entitled to us as human beings irrespective of sexual orientation. The establishment of a good and excellent working relationship with funds providers, LGBTI members and LGBTI advocacy groups in Nigeria.

We shall also strive to collaborate with other stakeholders in human rights advocacy in areas of mutual interest both home/abroad.

CORE VALUES:
INTEGRITY: Consistent, committed and transparent in our decisions and conduct. Fulfilling our mission and conducting ourselves in a way that is true to our identity.

DIVERSITY: We shall seek to learn from the different ways of life in our community and the Nigerian society at large, opinions as represented by LGBTI persons in Nigeria themselves. We respect ad actively encourage the participation of LGBTI and non-LGBTI alike in order to achieve our aims.

PARTICIPATION: We seek to create a dynamic environment, where everyone can get involved in the building up of the community and the Nigerian society at large.

DIALOGUE: Engage in dialogue rather than debate whose outcome might produce strife.

QUEER ALLIANCE TOP 5 PRIORITIES

1. Human rights advocacy and activism for the LGBTI community in Nigeria.
2. Advocating for the health needs of LGBTI persons in Nigeria and provide services where possible appropriately.
3. Publications:
(a) Produce quarterly magazine that features, health, religion, romance amongst others that is aimed at educating the LGBTI community and the Nigeria society at large on homosexual.
(b)Maintaining a weblog with information as regards sexuality and other social matters and probably upgrade it to a website.
(c) Production of tracts /leaflets that is aimed at supporting the “coming out” process.
4. Empowerment: Empowering the less educationally qualified LGBTI persons on building income and resources to sustain their livelihood and leadership skills for educationally qualified LGBTI persons.
5. Research for better advocacy for the fundamental human rights of LGBTI persons in Nigeria.

STRATEGIC PLANS (2010 – 2013)
OUR ACTIONS (IDAHO AS DEADLINE)
ACTION 1: HUMAN RIGHTS / REFORM

TARGETS:
By September 2010, we shall strive to have in place a relationship with the legal Defense and Assistance Project in order to provide assistance to LGBTI persons who are being persecuted by legal entities. At the moment there is an institutional relationship with the Independent Project for referrals and further action.

By IDAHO 2011: To have an LGBTI human rights committee in place (collaboration with other LGBTI rights org) thereby developing a human rights strategy based on LGBTI right violations.

By IDAHO 2012: To have formed a relationship with religious progressive in Nigeria as regards sexuality, human rights and religion.

By IDAHO 2013: To have formed a partnership arrangement with the National Human Rights Commission on advocacy for LGBTI persons in Nigeria / and other LGBTI organizations or supportive groups. Also Queer Alliance would have developed working relationships with lawyers from within the LGBTI community, in order the legal services being provided for persons who are been persecuted by legal and social entities.

ACTIONS 2: HEALTH AND RELATED SERVICES.

TARGETS:
By December 1st 2010: Queer Alliance Nigerian website would be launched and dully operational with a health page that will provide information on heath and gag friendly health services centres.

By IDAHO 2010: Queer Alliance would have established an institutional relationship with the Presidency Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief of 68 military Hospital Yaba for referral services on HIV prevention, care and treatment.

By December 2010: Queer Alliance Nigeria would have trained 25 MSM/WSW peer educators and sexual health promoters from the 6 geopolitical zones of the country in order that all LGBTI persons be reached with the message of HIV prevention care and treatment.

By IDAHO 2011: Queer Alliance Nigeria would have taken a step further in providing for the health made of WSW on grounds of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment.

By IDAHO 2012/13: Queer Alliance Nigeria in partnership with doctors who are LGBTI or LGBTI friendly would take a step further in trying to create or have in place an exclusively LGBTI health centre on a part-time basis for members of the LGBTI community.

ACTION 3: EMPOWERMENT
By IDAHO 2010: Queer Alliance Nigeria would have come up with implementable empowerment programs in vocational skills building for members of he LGBTI community who are less educational ualified and economical undependable for onward implementation before the year in question runs out.

By December 2011/IDAHO 2012: Queer Alliance Nigeria in collaboration with other LGBTI organizations would have taken the initiative if not educated the first National Queer youth Empowerment summit that in targeted at all members of the LGBTI community in Nigeria with emphasis in leadership skills development.

ACTION 4: PUBLICATION
TARGET:
By Dec 2010: Queer Alliance Nigeria would use journalism as a tool for activism by having a website which would be fully operational with information on sexuality, human rights, health and amongst other with strong emphasis placed on educating the Nigeria public on LGBTI issues.

By IDAHO 2011: When Queer Alliance Nigeria website would have been operational, we shall use the internet to place advocacy and campaign messages for the liberation of the LGBTI community. Messages as regards human rights and sexual orientation would be prominently highlighted on the website.

By IDAHO 2012: Queer Alliance Nigeria issued take the bold step towards the establishment o an LGBTI journal that will feature health, romance, religion, entertainment among other issues but which will be distributed (not for free neither for profit) in the community.

ACTION 5: CAPACITY BUILDING.
TARGET:
By Dec 2011: Queer Alliance Nigeria would have undergone the process and be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a non profit organization with the name CENTRE FOR HEALTH AND SEXUAL RIGHTS if not Queer Alliance for registration’s sake.

Before IDAHO 2011: Queer Alliance Executive Director shall have undergone a Human Right, Training or Fellowship either locally or abroad to enable him carry out the functions of the office.

By IDAHO 2012: Two other volunteers/staff of Queer Alliance who are committed to its vision and mission statement would also have undergone a training in human rights.

By Dec 2011: Queer Alliance Nigeria would support and be instrumental in forming the Lagos LGBTI choir, that will be on its way to staying the first performance.

By 2013: Queer Alliance would have identify other possible source of funding locally in order to complement donors effort.

In the meantime, the sole responsibility of running the organization rests with the management team whose function is over sited and coordinated by the board of trustees. The head of the organization shall be the Executive Director but who reports to the Board of Trustees and whose actions and office is monitored by the Board.

MEXICO PASSES SAME SEX MARRIAGE LAW

2009-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

Same sex marriage law in Mexico

¡Que viva Mexico!

The Mexico City legislature yesterday passed with a two thirds majority an
initiative to make it possible for people of the same sex to marry each
other and adopt children. The initiative is now before the Mayor, Mr Marcelo
Luis Ebrard Casaubon. If he approves the initiative he will draft a new law,
redefining marriage in the Federal District as a "free union between two
people," and allowing same sex couples to adopt. The law will come into
effect in March 2010.

Gloria Careaga, Co-Secretary General of ILGA and active promoter of the
bill, said: “This has been an intense process in which more than 150 social
organizations were involved. When passed, Mexico City will become the first
legislative body in Latin America to pass legislation allowing people of the
same sex to marry and adopt children. I am proud of living in this City,
this is a landmark victory for all those who believe in the equality of
lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex people, in democracy and freedom”.

“This legislation will raise the standards of equality in Mexico higher than
those of many European and North American countries: a nail in the coffin of
those who insist in presenting the right of equality for all LGBTI people in
the world as 'a Western construct',” added Renato Sabbadini, Co-Secretary
General of ILGA.

ILGA has supported the passage of the initiative by encouraging political
leaders worldwide to write to Mayor Ebrard Casaubon and the City
Parliamentarians and express their support.

Mr Job Cohen, the Mayor of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the first person
in the world to officiate a state-sanctioned same sex marriage, wrote: “I
praise Mexico City for aspiring to become the first city in Latin America to
make this bold and necessary step forward. Same sex marriage has made our
society more inclusive. It was a clear signal that we fully accept people
for who they are. We oppose discrimination on the basis of whom people
choose to love. I strongly urge you to support this bill. I believe it is
the right way forward for a city that seeks equality for all and I commend
you for your leadership”.

Member of the European Parliament Ms Ulrike Lunacek wrote to the Mayor on
behalf of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender rights requesting his support for the initiative. “The right to
privacy, the right to found a family and enjoy fully equal rights are
enshrined in international treaties to which the Federal State of Mexico has
subscribed. Passing this piece of legislation would honour the leaders, as
well as serve the interests of all your constituents.

WORLD AIDS DAYS: REFLECTING ON OUR EFFORTS

2009-12-01T01:31:00.000-08:00

Across Nigeria, the silence denied truth about sexuality that increases the vulnerability of same sex practicing persons is being broken. Bold men and women from within the LGBTI community and allies are beginning to recognize that combating the epidemic head on means get everyone involved. For far too long this denied truth has cost the lives of same sex practicing persons. I can recall that this year alone, 5 death of same sex practicing person due to AIDS-related illness came to my attention. The question this leaves in my mind is “what about those cases that do not get to the attention of LGBTI organization and other AIDS service provision organizations due to the stigma related to AIDS and sexual orientation?

Today, Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year WORLD AIDS DAY, I am beginning to wonder if as a country, Nigeria is really committed to make the country, HIV – free or bring the spread of the disease under control. Globally fever than 1 in 20 men who have sex with man have no access to HIV prevention, care and treatment program. The bitter truth for Nigeria in that the lack of HIV/AIDS control program for men who have sex with men could reverse the giant strides made in the efforts to combat the disease.

LGBTI organization in Nigeria with the help of international donors are beginning to take the bold steps in providing these services to members of the same sex practicing community especially men who have sex men. The vulnerability same sex practicing persons are already experience is a key factor to the spread of the disease in the community.

As Nigeria reflects on the gains made in the fight against HIV there is the need to pay more attention to the same sex practicing community. We must understanding that same sex practicing persons also engage in opposite sex practices for societal acceptance. Whether they men who have sex with men or woman who have sex with women. Government must realize that its efforts in fighting the epidemic might be totally reversed if it does not address homosexuality. At this point when all hands are to be involved in the fight, women who have sex with women get no attention to their need for HIV prevention, care and treatment. This need to be addressed urgently.

Addressing this problem, also means addressing laws that contribute to the vulnerability if an already marginalized and vulnerable persons. Laws that encourage societal stigma and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation need be repealed or abolished.

Government and indeed the whole of service providers must take cognizance of the fact that AID and homosexuality be discussed. Realizing that the sooner we talk about this 2 issues in our offices, schools, halls of government, in fact everywhere, the more lives we can saves and curtail the spread of disease.

It is therefore time that the HIV prevention, care and treatment services available be targeted at all Nigeria citizen irrespective of sexual orientation in our guess for the HIV-free nation and generation we all yearn for.

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE FIRST AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON SEXUALITY AND CHRISTIANITY.

2009-11-20T01:29:00.000-08:00

Press Statement from
1st African Dialogue on Sexuality and Christian Faith
Hosted by Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) in partnership with The Rainbow Project (TRP) of Namibia from 2-5 November 2009, Stellenbosch.

The past few days 77 participants from 13 African countries met for the first time ever to dialogue about the issue of sexual orientation from a Christian faith perspective. The participants included clergy (pastors, Bishops, National Church Council leadership and Academics) and an equal number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersexed (LGBTI) people, of whom a few were also clergy. The countries represented were Botswana, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
During the Introduction we discussed Faith, Cultural and Human Rights issues that made this dialogue necessary: polarization in the Church, diversity in Bible interpretation, patriarchy, lack of knowledge, the fear of persecution of LGBTI people and all those in solidarity with them, laws criminalizing homosexuality in most African countries and right–wing USA groups influencing the agenda of Church and Politics, as in Uganda (read statement attached as appendix).
We introduced the method of DIALOGUE as the preferred Biblical way in which people of faith should discuss this very sensitive, and to many painful, issues – as opposed to DEBATE which only polarizes, rather than pull us together. During the very first session the participants grew to appreciate the safe space that this method of dialogue offered them and started to share freely and often very personally.
Participants moved from a place of fear to a place of empowerment and hope. LGBTI individuals were initially fearful, because of their history of rejection and persecution by the church or government laws, were apprehensive of their fellow clergy participants and on the other hand some clergy admitted that they have never before been exposed to LGBTI Christians.
We experienced dialogue as a way to grapple with the challenges we are facing regarding sexual orientation and our faith. We were able to listen to the stories and testimonies of painful and challenging journeys that touched us all, without fear of rejection and condemnation. The dialogue offered us for the first time to be hopeful of a journey that can bind us together as fellow Christians, rather than divide us.
We therefore affirm and call upon all fellow African Christians to engage in dialogue in finding our way forward, together. There is a great need for safe spaces for dialogue within our faith communities. We need to listen more deeply to all the diverse journeys fellow Christians on our continent are finding themselves on regarding their spirituality and sexuality.
We acknowledged that there are major stumbling blocks that hinder us from fully engaging in dialogue, these include:
· lack of knowledge about sexual orientation,
· scriptural interpretations,
· silence and often invisibility of LGBTI people within faith communities,
· taboo’s on discussing sexuality in Africa,
· hierarchical church structures,
· oppressive laws etc.
These stumbling blocks forced most of the Church into debate ABOUT the issue rather than engage WITH fellow brothers and sisters who happen to be LGBTI.
We entered into a hopeful journey of finding and discussing stepping stones for us in Africa to enable us to start a long and rewarding dialogue process.
· provide information to lessen ignorance
· commitment from participants to create safe spaces for dialogue in their countries
· reading Scripture inclusively that reflects the spirit of love and compassion of the Gospel
· In order to counteract stereotyping - training and education of the media
· Telling our stories through our culture and faith communities in order to bring more exposure
· The importance of self acceptance and affirmation of LGBTI people etc.
We believe God has gifted us with both sexuality and spirituality as aspects of our humanity. It is our duty and responsibility, as members of the same Body of Christ, to affirm amidst our diversity and differences that all of us are made in the image of God. We are equal in value and thus deserve to commit ourselves to this process of encounter, listening and sharing.
We belief that the Holy Spirit is guiding us through dialogue to find our way forward, even in the face of so much fear, anger, pain and even hatred.

APPENDICS
We have asked all participants to share the letter underneath from one of our Ugandan participants with their constituencies and call for more tolerance in their country.
We also submit this letter to this press conference for the notice of the wider public in the hope that the South African Council of Churches and worldwide Christian Bodies will give it their serious attention:
A CALL ON CHRISTIANS TO OPPOSE THE BAHATI’S HATE BILL WHICH HAS BEEN TABLED BEFORE THE UGANDAN PARLIAMENT

“Every day millions of Christians pray to be spared from being put to the test. This prayer is especially applicable for Christians everywhere in regard to the “anti- homosexuality bill”, which has been put to parliament in Uganda, by Member of Parliament Bahati. This extremely unpleasant proposed bill targets not only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people but also Human Rights and HIV/AIDS prevention activists and people in positions of trust and authority. While some in the church are backing and propelling the bill, other Christians face a challenge to the principles at the heart of their faith.” This statement reiterates why all Christians everywhere should not support this HATE bill:

The bill breaks rather than build the family. It makes family members ‘spies’ of each other rather than “keepers” of one another. It turns parents into prosecutors of their children and siblings into accusers of one another.
It makes everyone suspicious of any kind of affection in case it is interpreted as intent to commit homosexuality.
It undermines and totally dispels the place of compassion, understanding, and love within the Christian Faith.
It totally undermines the pivotal role of grace in the Christian Faith. “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us…” The work of salvation was done for us before we were aware of it or even accepted it. God’s gift of love was not dependent on our identities or sexuality or even willingness to acknowledge the gift. It was just given. The Church has the duty to exemplify this understanding and demonstration of love.

The same scriptures that are being used to persecute and demonize LGBTI people are very clear on the duty of all Christians to bear with one another’s differences - to be tolerant, to desist from judgment, and to practice the golden rule where we give others the treatment that we would have

Some people think that being homosexual, we are sinners but many people know that we are children of God created in God’s image. Whatever you believe, we call upon you to appreciate that Bahati’s bill is not about any of this; it is not even about homosexuality. It is about politics. It is about hate. It is about intolerance. Among its draconian and hate-inciting provisions, the bill proposes that;

Any person alleged to be homosexual would be at risk of life imprisonment or in some circumstances the death penalty;

Any parent who does not denounce their lesbian daughter or gay son to the authorities would face fines of $ 2,650.00 or three years in prison;

Any teacher who does not report a lesbian or gay pupil to the authorities within 24 hours would face the same penalties;

And any landlord or landlady who happens to give housing to a suspected homosexual would risk 7 years of imprisonment.

Similarly, the Bill threatens to punish or ruin the reputation of anyone who works with the gay or lesbian population, such as medical doctors working on HIV/AIDS, civil society leaders active in the fields of sexual and reproductive health, hence further undermining public health efforts to combat the spread of HIV;

God calls on all of us to act with compassion, not to call for unfair treatment and oppression of those with a minority voice. God calls on all of us to build family, not to tear it apart by sowing seeds of discord, hatred, suspicion, and intolerance. God calls on all of us to understand and appreciate our differences not to use these to oppress one another.
Even if you think that homosexuality is a sin, we call upon you to oppose this bill.

INFLUENCE OF US RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVES IN PROMOTING HOMOPHOBIA IN AFRICA

2009-11-20T01:22:00.000-08:00

Groundbreaking PRA Investigation Exposes Influence of U.S. Religious Conservatives in Promoting Homophobia in Africa

http://www.publiceye.org/ark/africa-report/press-release.php

Groundbreaking PRA Investigation Exposes Influence of U.S. Religious Conservatives in Promoting Homophobia in Africa by Kapya Kaoma.

U.S. Christian Right also mobilizes African clerics in U.S. “culture war” over ordination of LGBT clergy

Sexual minorities in Africa have become collateral damage to our domestic conflicts and culture wars as U.S. conservative evangelicals and those opposing gay pastors and bishops within mainline Protestant denominations woo Africans in their American fight, a groundbreaking investigation by Political Research Associates (PRA) discovered.

Globalizing the Culture Wars: U.S. Conservatives, African Churches, and Homophobia, a new report by PRA Project Director Reverend Kapya Kaoma, exposes the U.S. Right’s promotion of an agenda in Africa that aims to criminalize homosexuality and otherwise infringe upon the human rights of LGBT people while also mobilizing African clerics in U.S. culture war battles.

U.S. social conservatives who are in the minority in mainline churches depend on African religious leaders to legitimize their positions as their growing numbers makes African Christians more influential globally. These partnerships have succeeded in slowing the mainline Protestant churches’ recognition of the full equality of LGBT people. It’s working despite the real movement toward full equality within deonominations because of the sensitivity of liberals to the question of colonialism. Are we being insensitive to the realities of Africa? But, Kaoma argues, although U.S. conservatives have organized African religious leaders as a visible force opposing LGBT equality, it is not true that all of Africa takes this stand.

In the United States, Kaoma focuses on “renewal” groups in The Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church USA, and Presbyterian Church USA; U.S conservative evangelicals; and the Institute on Religion and Democracy, a neoconservative think tank that has sought to undermine Protestant denominations’ tradition of progressive social justice work for decades.

In Africa, Kaoma investigates ties U.S. conservatives have established with religious leaders in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya and the impact of homophobia exported from the United States to these Anglophone countries.

As Kaoma argues, the U.S. Right – once isolated in Africa for supporting pro-apartheid, White supremacist regimes – has successfully reinvented itself as the mainstream of U.S. evangelicalism. Through their extensive communications networks in Africa, social welfare projects, Bible schools, and educational materials, U.S. religious conservatives warn of the dangers of homosexuals and present themselves as the true representatives of U.S. evangelicalism, so helping to marginalize Africans’ relationships with mainline Protestant churches.

The investigation’s release could not be timelier, as the Ugandan parliament considers the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009. Language in that bill echoes the false and malicious charges made in Uganda by U.S antigay activist and Holocaust revisionist Scott Lively that western gays are conspiring to take over Uganda and even the world.

"We need to stand up against the U.S. Christian Right peddling homophobia in Africa," said Kaoma, who in recent weeks asked U.S. evangelist Rick Warren to denounce the bill and distance himself from its supporters. "I heard church people in Uganda say they would go door to door to root out LGBT people and now our brothers and sisters are being further targeted by proposed legislation criminalizing them and threatening them with death. The scapegoating must stop."

While the American side of the story is known to LGBT activists and their allies witnessing struggles over LGBT clergy within Protestant denominations in the United States, what’s been missing has been the effect of the Right’s proxy wars on Africa itself. Kaoma’s report finally brings this larger, truly global, picture into focus.

“Just as the United States and other northern societies routinely dump our outlawed or expired chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and cultural detritus on African and other Third World countries, we now export a political discourse and public policies our own society has discarded as outdated and dangerous,” writes PRA executive director Tarso Luís Ramos in the report’s foreword. “Africa’s antigay campaigns are to a substantial degree made in the U.S.A.”
Leaders within mainline Protestant denominations hailed the report.

"The exploitation of African Christians by right-wing organizations in the United States is reprehensible. Where were these individuals and organizations and their leaders during the struggles against colonialism and apartheid? They certainly were not standing in solidarity with the people of Africa. Today, they use a variety of corrupt practices and methods in a vain attempt to turn back the tide of history. This report reveals the truth about what is going on and should be required reading for American church leaders," said Jim Winkler, the general secretary of the international public policy and social justice agency of The United Methodist Church.

For his 16-month investigation, Kaoma, an Anglican priest from Zambia, traveled in the United States and Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, attended the notorious antigay conference of Uganda’s Family Life Network in March, and documented concerns among the region’s clergy that U.S. conservatives are contributing to corruption among bishops with their lax requirements for donated funds.
Although written primarily for a U.S. audience, Globalizing the Culture Wars is certain to cause a stir in English-speaking Africa, where conservative U.S. evangelicals have for too long escaped the close scrutiny of African social justice activists and movements.

Kapya John Kaoma
Project Director Kapya John Kaoma is an Anglican priest from Zambia now leading churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. A doctoral candidate at Boston University School of Theology, he has studied in evangelical schools in Zambia and the United Kingdom. From 1998 to 2001, he served as dean of St. John’s Cathedral in Mutare, Zimbabwe and lecturer at Africa University, where he coauthored a text in ethics, Unity in Diversity. From 2001 to 2002, he was academic dean of St. John’s Anglican Seminary in Kitwe, Zambia, where he launched its women’s studies and church school training programs. An active campaigner for women’s reproductive rights, Kaoma is a passionate activist for social witness in the world.

Political Research Associates
Political Research Associates (PRA) is a progressive think tank devoted to supporting movements that are building a more just and inclusive democratic society. We expose movements, institutions, and ideologies that undermine human rights, with a focus on the U.S. political Right. Political Research Associates seeks to advance progressive thinking and action by providing accurate, research-based, information, analysis, and referrals.

HIV. WHAT MSM CAN DO

2009-10-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

What MSM Can Do

Your risk of getting HIV or passing it to someone else depends on several things. Do you know what they are? You might want to talk to someone who knows about HIV. You can also do the following:

Abstain from sex (do not have oral, anal, or vaginal sex) until you are in a relationship with only one person, are having sex with only each other, and each of you knows the other’s HIV status.
- If both you and your partner have HIV, use condoms to prevent other STDs and possible infection with a different strain of HIV.
- If only one of you has HIV, use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex.
If you have, or plan to have, more than one sex partner, consider the following:
- Get tested for HIV. Men who have sex with other men should get tested at least once a year.
- Talk about HIV and other STDs with each partner before you have sex.
- Learn as much as you can about each partner’s past behavior (sex and drug use) and consider the risks to your health before you have sex.
- Ask your partners if they have recently been tested for HIV; encourage those who have not been tested to do so.
- Use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex.
- If you think you may have been exposed to another STD such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or Chlamydia trachomatis infection, get treatment. These diseases can increase your risk of getting HIV.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B viruses.
Even if you think you have low risk for HIV infection, get tested whenever you have a regular medical check-up.
Do not inject illicit drugs (drugs not prescribed by your doctor). You can get HIV through needles, syringes, and other works if they are contaminated with the blood of someone who has HIV. Drugs also cloud your mind, which may result in riskier sex.
If you do inject drugs, do the following:
- Use only clean needles, syringes, and other works.
- Never share needles, syringes, or other works.
- Be careful not to expose yourself to another person's blood.
- Get tested for HIV test at least once a year.
- Consider getting counseling and treatment for your drug use.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B viruses.
Do not have sex when you are taking drugs or drinking alcohol because being high can make you more likely to take risks.

To protect yourself, remember these ABCs:

A=Abstinence

B=Be Faithful

C=Condoms




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An inteview of Rashidi Willams by Naija youths

2009-07-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

I first read about Rashidi Williams online when he was fighting for the rights of the Homosexuals just as the National Assembly was about to pass a bill prohibiting Gay marriages and relationships. I was impressed at the fact that a 24 year old guy was moved and passionate about the fight against the bill being passed. I was particularly impressed that he, being a voice of Gay people in Nigeria, was given the chance to speak by the leaders of this nation. This to me was a sign of democracy.
Who really was this Rashidi Williams? A young agile, learned, Laboratory Technologist, fighting a passionate cause of bravery (in my opinion) against all odds and deciding to brace discriminations, the derogatory words, the sneers, the stares and the ‘bad-mouthing’ that he is bound to experience.
Rashidi, as he describes himself is, “a simple, outspoken individual who dares to tread where others refuse. Most of all, he declares, “I am openly GAY”.
READ UP ON HIS INTERVIEW
How does it feel to be a gay activist in Nigeria?
Very challenging, especially as a young person. Most people think I am too young for this and probably do not know what I am doing. But there is one sure bet and that is, I know what I want for myself and my community.
Do your parents know you’re gay? If yes, how did they react when you told them or when they found out?
Yes they do, but have not come to accept me fully as a gay man. But I know they will one day look me in the eyes and say I am proud of you child.
Are there other homosexual activists in Nigeria?
Sure I am not alone in this and not everyone who speaks out against to discrimination we face as sexual minorities are sexual minorities themselves.
Do you associate yourself with other homosexual activists within or outside Nigeria?
.
What change will you like to see in the future on this homosexuality issue?
That the fundamental Human Rights of Sexual minorities be enshrined in the laws of the land. That sexual minorities are counted and accounted for in the legislation of the country. Also that irrespective of sexual orientation everyone is treated equal before the law.
What’s the commonest stereotype that gay people face?
Spiritual abnormality. I mean being afflicted by a demonic spirit
What are you fighting for and how has the response been?
The fundamental Human Rights of Sexual minorities. So far so good we have been able to bring to the surface issues affecting sexual minorities. There was a time when government and people said we never existed in this country. But now that has changed. You cannot just say something disgusting or want to put a law in place that will discriminate and further send these persons underground and not get a stiff non violent resistance on such things. So I would say the response have been stimulating for us to carry on our activism.
Aren’t you afraid of being ostracized or discriminated upon?
These two things are the farthest things on my mind now. If I was afraid of discrimination and being ostracized I would not have even stood to speak publicly about my sexual orientation, let alone become an activist for my people. So it does not really bother me.

What were the 1st reactions you got from people when they knew you were gay?
You can’t be. You are joking. What people when they knew you about all those girls I see around you. You can guess the rest yourself.
How bad is discrimination in Nigeria?
The word BAD is an understatement. If there is any other adjective apart from BAD, please do use it. You are compelled to be a hypocrite on the basis of your sexuality all because you want to be accepted into your own society. You suffer silently and psychologically. One could even commit suicide in the name of discrimination. This is just a piece of the iceberg on how terrible discrimination can be.
Have you ever been given a favored status due to being a gay guy?
Maybe when they never knew I am gay.
How do you stay positive in view of all you’ve faced and still has to face?
Activism is the rent I pay for living on this planet. This is a quote by Alice Walker and whenever I read this positivism comes from nowhere. I have my dreams and I have to fulfill them. My sexual orientation should not be a barrier. It is rather a stepping stone for me to greater heights.
How did you feel coming out and open about your sexuality?
There is no particular word that I can use to describe my coming out open and publicly as a gay man. But one thing I do know that I will not go back to the darkest of all darkness and that is the CLOSET. Therefore coming out open and public about my sexuality has been very challenging for me as far as I am a Nigerian living in Nigeria. And until the legislation changes it will be challenging.
Tell us, what’s the psychological impact of prejudice and discriminations?
It’s devastating. Do you know what it means not to be accepted into your own community or society at large? Every blessed day you keep the fears of letting others know your sexuality buried deep inside you. You cannot tell anyone your secret longings just for the fear of discrimination and ostracization. You live in constant fear that someone will pick you out one day. You suffer silently and can’t tell anyone. It is more devastating than this.
What does the term “coming out” mean? Why, do you think, it’s important?
Coming out to me means freely accepting who you are emotionally and sexually and also not denying it to yourself. It does not mean that you have to be public about it, but it does mean that you are open about your sexuality. As for the importance of coming out, I would say that the first thing you experience is an inner peace within you. If all the homosexuals in Nigeria are to come out at once and declaring their sexuality, you would be amazed at how large this community is. Please do not be surprised if you saw someone you never thought could be gay. It could be your father or someone very close to you.
What’s the nature of same sex relationships?
Let me be blunt here. It is just as same as that of the opposite sex relationship.
What, in your own opinion determines a person’s sexual orientation?
THE EMOTIONS. When I say emotions, I say it is the principal factor. I say this from the view point of what sexuality is and its definition by the medical community. Sexuality is the complex of emotions of one's self and eroticism. Need to say the fact that my characters, attitudes, preferences and what have you are embedded in emotions. And when something is a complex it is something you cannot change and you do not have control over. It is a dilemma you cannot overcome. So I will be right by defining a homosexual by concluding the above definition with the phrase 'of one's self and eroticism to one's own gender or sex'. The opposite goes for heterosexuality.
May I also say at this juncture that sex does not determine one's sexual orientation. But then the nature of the relationships are the same. The object is just the difference. Why? There are so many homosexuals out there who are into heterosexual relationships but the fact that they are into this relationship do not make them heterosexuals. They are still essentially homosexuals. The same applies in the opposite…Therefore your emotions determine your sexual orientation or sexuality.
What are the common myths about homosexuals?
That homosexuals are promiscuous and do not value relationship. That homosexuality is unnatural and un-African. Also that homosexuality is a choice. I could go on to list some more but the truth is that all this is just ways of discriminating against homosexuals .If you say homosexuals are promiscuous are heterosexuals too not promiscuous. But you don’t condemn them on that. So why homosexuals. No all homosexuals are promiscuous the same way that not all heterosexuals are and they value relationship the way heterosexuals value relationships. One sexual orientation is not chosen. Homosexuality has never been un-African. It was there before the invasion of the white men. So don’t say homosexuality is western. For all I care homosexuality is as natural as heterosexuality.
Do you believe you’re different?
It is a blunt NO. I am not different from anyone
Then some more:
Are there different levels of homosexuality or is it based on the person’s character?
ABEG! Homosexuality no get levels. Abi you no any levels wey dey for inside homosexuality make you tell me
What’s the most annoying question you've been asked?
When someone asked me if I was an hermaphrodite. The person even asked in the question in an annoying manner.
Do you feel you have to always have your guard up?
Not really but at times with my common sense.
What do you think the first reaction is when you tell people your GAY?
I can’t tell unless they tell me.
Do you think people can ever accept your sexuality?
Yes they can and they will. In fact some have already come to terms with it and see me no different.
Fun stuff
Yout favourites movies?
”Little Britain” and “Queer as folks”. Little Britain makes me laugh out my intestines.
Chic flicks or Action?
None.
Best song and why?
I do not have a best song. I listen to music that inspires my soul.
What or who inspires you ?
When it comes to activism, Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay does.
In your view, what’s your greatest achievement?
I have had many great achievements but I cannot say for now that this is my greatest. But may be I will say one of my great achievements was the day I won an award courtesy of the Lagos State Government (the First Lady). This was during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Regime in the year 2002, Dec 23rd.I wrote an essay on HIV/AIDS just one day to the submission deadline. I never believed I could be the winner in my Local government. At least I took my Parents to the State Government House, including some of my colleagues back then in Secondary School. This to me was a great feat I achieved then. You want a Picture? pictures for that I could provide (lol)
LOL! Most embarrassing moment?
The day one of my lecturers referred to me as a hermaphrodite in front of the whole class with everyone laughing. Not only did he embarrassed me but ridiculed me. What if I was? It was discriminatory to me as he did not stop there.
What ticks you off?
Lies.

NIGERIA: IDAHO STATEMENT BY QUEER ALLIANCE NIGERIA

2009-05-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

NIGERIA: IDAHO STATEMENT BY QUEER ALLIANCE NIGERIA

We are gathered here today to mark the International Day Against
Homophobia. And we are not just gathered to speak, but also to
resonate faithfully from the rooftops the unheard words and the
unspoken truth of the voiceless and the faceless.

In Nigeria there is a strong current of homophobia- disapproval of
person with same sex orientation which is expressed in stigma and
discrimination. The origin of homophobia is not always clearly
understood and it is too complex. It may boil down from the
misconceptions about what sexuality is all about.

In Nigeria there have been may reported cases of gross abuse of the
fundamental human rights of sexual minorities and of which have its
root in homophobia. Individuals and organization working with same sex
oriented persons have on so many occasions have to intervene in such
state and non state homophobic actions perpetuated against sexual
minorities.

Homophobia forces mast same sex oriented persons to hide their
sexuality and also sometimes deny it to themselves- known as
internalized homophobia internalized homophobia. Even those sexual minorities that do not directly suffer from homophobia can and do suffer from homophobia, since they are likely to suppress aspects of their behavior to conform to society's demands.

Racism, anti-semitism and homophobia are synonymous and also other forms of bigotry. This is because it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people and deny them their humanity, dignity and their rights. It sets the stage for further discrimination , repression and also violence that spreads to all in order to victimize he sexual minority group.

The contents of the bill on the prohibition of same sex marriage and the criminalization of same sex oriented person are a hall mark of homophobia. Its content are hatred, ostracization, marginalization and what have you. The work of human rights activist are hampered by homophobia putting their security at risk whether they are same sex oriented or not

This day therefore calls on the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other stakeholders to look into issues affecting same sex oriented persons- especially that of the rights and security and well being. It is the duty of the state to protect and preserve the rights of its citizens whether they are same sex oriented or not.

Confronting homophobia is confronting HIV/AIDS in the sexual minority community. This is a national issue because homophobia makes it les likely for HIV/STI's prevention messages relating to sexual minorities that are not readily available at all in most cases.

As organizations and individuals working in this regard , we are therefore calling on the government to put into place measures that protect the its sexual minorities citizens from violence, stigma and discrimination irrespective of sexuality. Everyone fundamental human rights should be respected because human rights is non- negotiable.

STATEMENT AT THE RECENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SAME GENDER PROHIBITION BILL

2009-03-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

13 March 2009

Subject: Statement from concerned Nigerians Against the proposed Same Gender Prohibition Bill 2008

Honorable members of the House, The Clerk to the House Committee on Human Rights and the Distinguished Members of the National Assembly.

I am Rashidi Williams the Director Queer Alliance Nigeria. I am standing here before you on behalf of entire member of Queer Alliance. Queer Alliance is a group of young Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender citizens of Nigeria, we have been active at grassroots’ level providing support for LGBT people, in educational, health and social matter, providing information on daily activities such as security, welfare and general well being for over two years.

I am here today on behalf of those we represent to present our concerns for the Same Gender Prohibition Bill 2008.

Same sex attraction is not a question of choice as we understand, otherwise it would make living and upholding the legalistic approaches in Nigeria difficult for us, and we are law abiding citizens and have not fallen into any problems with the laws. None of us will want to be discriminated against because of our sexuality that we have no control nor have we chosen. It is already a trial to survive the hardship of our nations let alone the discrimination we face as sexual minorities. We believe that we are created by God and do not wish to be discriminated against, we seek your help and appeal to you all to lay this bill aside.

This is a crucial time for our beloved nation, Nigeria, when we have to discuss a bill that adds to the destitution of an existing legislation against homosexuality popularly known as the “Sodomy law” this penal code was introduced by our colonial masters, we believe that our government should enforce conscience in the moral of its citizen forced to the margins of society on matters they are unable to defend.

We ask that the House of Representative and our law makers work with us to understand the concept of sexuality and sexual orientation through our experiences and not create laws that will punish us needlessly.

Our beloved country has committed herself to numerous Human Right treaties and convention under international laws of the United Nations and Human Rights Commission which expands on the understanding of sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity.

We believe that this House has the power to direct resources to research and look deeper in to the issues that affect us your children, in more ways than one, if this bill is passed you are not only going to criminalize us, you will also criminalize our parents who have raised us as honest and God fearing citizens of this nation.

We also believe that an investment in providing information that includes LGBT people will be a credit to national resources spent on more important issues affecting LGBT people across the nation.

The monopolization of sexuality has led so many people to believe that heterosexuality is the only valid sexuality, human sexualities are diverse and we appeal today to acknowledge these views for a fuller understanding of the work we are doing to provide guidance for many LGBT people in our society.

The bill seek to criminalize our ability to love and not hate, the bill will force many more in to secretive behaviors and extreme dishonesty likely to put themselves and others at risk, fueled by hatred and other form of stigma.

We are present in every age group and generations, we are present in every labour force and are keen tax payers and contributors to our great nation. These laws will make us criminals for what we have no control and often when these happens we are forced away from our hopes and destinies of what we truly believe, Unity and Love.

The LGBT communities are blamed for the expansion and increase of HIV, this is not the case, and those conclusions are based on insufficient evidence and mostly on ignorance. The fact also eliminates evidence that excludes LGBT people from sexual health services, if we are given the right tools then we are able to provide the right information for the people we serve.

This bill is filled with clear hallmarks of acrimony towards an indefensible group of people already marginalized by the society, if this bill is passed in to law the hatred and homophobia which already exist will be considered sponsored by our own government.

We believe that as we grow as a free nation, all citizens should enjoy that freedom, regardless of differences in their sex, gender, wealth, health, abilities, disabilities, sexual orientation and gender identity.

We conclude our statement with our pledge to Nigeria our dearly beloved nation, to continue to be faithful, loyal and honest regardless of the seasons, peace nor tribulations, we shall serve Nigeria with all our strength and uphold the dignity and honour for all rightful citizens, Help us God. Thanks for your attention.

QUEER ALLIANCE, NIGERIA

THE CITADEL OF THE SOUL

2009-02-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Inside each of us there seems to be a secret part of our lives that keeps us at distance from others, even from the people we love best. It is place where we experience our most poignant fears. The fear of not being loved by people close to us because of our sexuality. The fear of not being sexually adequate or fulfilled . The fear that life is not what it promised to be.

But believe it or not, this same secret place where we hide our fears is the also where we keep our most private and fragile hopes on the basis of our sexuality.. In a sense if we tell this aspect of lives and then fail to achieve our dreams and hopes , then we have no comfortable private fantasy into which we can retreat when things are not going on well. As a result many of us try to play it safe and never try to actualize our dreams on the basis of our sexuality or even dare tell them to another soul apart from those who share the same sexuality with us. We keep the fears of letting others know our sexuality , our secret longings and our flickering hesistation buried deep inside us.

But like a lightening, in the middle of the night there sometimes come a time when we realize that we are going to one day die- that we may never do the things we have dreamed of. Several months ago this sudden awareness occurred. I realized that irrespective of my sexuality I was no different from other people and that whether I liked it or not I was one day going to die. But it also occurred to me that dying without fulfilling my dreams as a homosexual would mean a lot if I rather die fulfilling my dreams as a vain heterosexual person.. This happened to be one of the boldest decision that I have ever taken. Coming out as a homosexual, an African and most of all someone with dreams.

Folding my clothes that laid scattered on my bed while at the same thinking of how to tell my mother this innate difference of mine that do not make me different from other people, I pondered on my feelings as a homosexual.After this day I finally realized that I have got decision to make about how I am going to leave the rest of my life.Life it as a homosexual.I said if I have any dreams to fulfill I better get at them.Life's is going to be very quickly and there may not be much of it left.

So I began to think about hoe people like might do when we realize that is life is going by and that we are afraid to try the dreams that we have.Realistically, how do we risk changing our lives in mid course and coming to grips with our hopes, fears admist our sexuality.But this are the inner problems we as homosexual face.So it seems imperative that to effectively reach out to our community we need learn from each other stories and also learn to express our sexuality in relation to the real questions as to why we are living.What's the basic storyline of our lives and where are we in it as homosexuals as we pull open a doorway and look into the citadel of our soul-at what we are as homosexuals.

How do we live together,love and help each other find meaning to life as homosexual.Ultimately,how do we give to other people irrespective of sexuality the life we ourselves want as homosexuals.