LGBTQ+ activist Bisi Alimi has prayed for a future where members of the LGBTQ+ community can live freely in the country on Nigeria’s Independence Day.
In the message shared on Instagram on Wednesday, he also acknowledged the hardships and insecurities facing Nigerians today.
Bisi expressed hope for a day when the LGBTQ+ community would be embraced without fear or discrimination. He wrote:
“Some day our sun will shine the brightest and our rainbow children will be seen in full colour, in full light, as they were always meant to be.”
He further added:
“Happy Independence Day to those who celebrate Nigeria. We hope that one day we will look back and these hardships, insecurities, and poor governance will be a thing of the past. May unity, peace, and prosperity continue to bless our great nation.”
Under the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2013, same-sex relationships are criminalized, with penalties ranging from 14 years’ imprisonment to, in some northern states under Sharia law, the death penalty.
Despite these legal challenges, Bisi remains a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He made history in 2004 by becoming the first Nigerian to publicly come out as gay on national television. This courageous act led to personal repercussions, including being disowned by his family and facing societal backlash.
Currently residing in the United Kingdom, Biso continues his advocacy.
