homosexuality in islamic nigeria is still a deadly streak

By Victor Mkhize

May 27, 2005: Kano State in Nigeria, a predominantly Islamic state which imposes Sharia law, is one of the most gay-intolerant states of Nigeria. Horrific tales in which coming out is equated with committing suicide have been relayed a number of times to BtM offices. Today we carry an interview with a lesbian woman who is a Kano resident.

Francisca* made it abundantly clear that if you people can discover that you are gay or lesbian, "it is like you're committing suicide. People get stoned to death even by their families and friends". Pleading with us not to use her real name, Francisca elaborated that she is personally experiencing an ordeal of being a lesbian under such pernicious circumstances.

Her narrative continues, "You simply cannot mention it to anyone in the first place, because you don't know who is frantically and conservative or even terribly homophobic. I know a couple of people, but I only knew because we were extremely close and they were liberal. I know only one person who has come out - guess what happened to her? Her parents disowned her and left her to the dogs. It took her a long time to get back on her feet. Its simply is a matter of keeping it to yourself."

Francisca personally understands a few people who are also gay but in the closet. She also understands their unwillingness to reveal their real sexuality. "I come from a very strict Islamic home. My parents are devout Muslims and they will seemly kill me if they get any insight."

If these accounts are anything to go by, Kano is a region where people have to frankly come to terms with issues of gay and lesbian relationships. Francisca also confirms the number of fatalities resulting out of society's anger towards gay and lesbian people. "Being a lesbian is very difficult in Kano in such a way that some lesbian [women] date men just to cover up," she quipped. Seemingly, the hazards are unbearable and perhaps this is the only way that they can guarantee themselves of a normal lifestyle.

"It's kind of tough, because you have to be careful not to approach the wrong people. In my case I went to a girls boarding school and one thing led to another. I guess I always knew but I was living in denial because of the social constraints around the issue I never imagined speaking to anyone about it. I have been seeing someone for the past 3 years.

Our friends and family thinks that we are just great friends. I finished my university studies three years ago, and since then we've been living in the same house. It's funny because we have to live behind closed doors all the time. The fear of not knowing who might show up at anytime is exhausting. We pretend to talk about guys, share the same gossip with all other friends, and we sometimes even go out on dates with some guys just to seem straight," she said.

She continues "It's been living a lie frankly speaking we are tired, but we cannot admit to anyone. We met on the internet, and I guess that's what makes it easier. I have never approached anyone, and I will never accept anyone via the internet because I don't want to be set up. I don't know if Jessica [a Nigerian contact using a pseudonym] told you the story of one of our friends who was expelled from University because she made a move on the wrong person."

From her story it sounds like the mere thought of having friends and family support when you are going through tough time in your lifestyle is not something to be entertained. "Just last year a girl was almost beaten to death because she was caught with another girl". In closing Francisca, referring to an LGBTI conference that is rumoured to have taken place in the Abuja, says that she takes her "hat off for those people who took such a very important initiative."

* Although in regular contact with BtM, the author's real name has been changed to protect her identity and potential harm.