By Jerrywright Ukwu

Despitethe  growing global recognition of LGBTQ+ rights and progress in several parts of the world, safety concerns persist for community members, especially those living in nations across Africa.

The African continent continues to grapple with deeply ingrained societal prejudices and legal frameworks that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.

In many African countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, among many others, laws criminalizing same-sex relationships continue to exist, leading to widespread discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTQ individuals. Homophobia and transphobia are prevalent, fueled by societal stigmas and conservative religious beliefs.

Several human rights organizations and activists across the continent have continued to work tirelessly to raise awareness, challenge discriminatory legislation, and provide support to LGBTQ individuals. Their efforts, though commendable, face numerous challenges due to social and legal barriers.

Shortly after the Nigerian government signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill into Law on January 7, 2014, Human Rights Watch warned that such laws threaten the people's fundamental human rights.

While progress is made in some African countries, such as South Africa, where same-sex marriage is legal, significant challenges persist. The safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa remain a pressing concern, necessitating sustained efforts to promote understanding, combat discrimination, and advocate for legal reforms that protect their rights.

AMAKA has listed a few ways individuals within the LGBTQ+ community can stay safe in some of these unfriendly environments.

Drink Little or No Alcohol When You Hang Out

When Queer presenting in public places, you and your friends must be conscious of the fact that the environment is unsafe for you. It would be best if you learned to stay away from alcohol. However, if you must drink, it is crucial to have one or two persons within your group who would not drink or have as much alcohol as everyone else. In that way, this person serves as a guard for all others.

Keep An Eye on Everyone

Whether you like it or not, you are different in the eyes of everyone who aligns with the anti-gay policies and laws - usually the nation and its citizenry. So it would be best if you protect yourself from other vulnerable individuals of the LGBTQ+ community. 

It is essential to note that in the eyes of many, you are a prey, while for you, know that almost everyone is waiting for the best time to attack you.

Protecting yourself can be effective by being mindful of everyone and everything that crosses, especially in a crowded environment.

Know When to Leave

While spending quality time with friends and families can be worthwhile, as a queer person, you must know the right time to leave. 

When you go to events, do not stay until 'mama calls' unless you know your safety within the environment. If you are trying to figure out how to leave politely, please make an excuse for some already booked appointment or how you are not feeling so well to hang around any longer. 

Avoid Late Nights, Especially When Not Necessary

As a queer person, whatever you must do in an anti-gay environment should be concluded before nightfall because most criminal activities are perpetuated at night. In this part of the world, such crimes are usually on the rise at night and go unpunished. In the majority of situations, victims hardly get justice.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals and even gay rights activists have been hacked to death or beaten to plum in African countries.

Be intentional about your movement and visitations to friends and families.

Know Your Paths and Stay in Touch With Your Community

As a queer person in an unfriendly country, you should be able to know paths to take to avoid unnecessary harassment and attacks. Knowing your paths makes you safer and can protect those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Most importantly, when in doubt about the right road or path to use, ensure you reach out to members of the LGBTQ+ community in the said location to confirm the safety of the routes you want to take.

Always Go That Extra Mile

It is the world against every queer person in African countries and other nations where anti-gay policies thrive. So as an LGBTQ+ person. You must go the extra mile in school, your career, and all endeavours, and make sure you stand out at all times. Once you dot the is and cross the Ts, the world will gradually adjust with time.