It is becoming a common thing to hear of individuals coming out of the closet to declare their sexuality, their sexual orientation. Footballer, actor, musicians, are all announcing their membership into the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ is simply an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer. It is a community of individuals who have been tagged deviant due to their differing sexual orientation, behavior and expression.
Several countries have absorbed this community and made room for them in their constitution and even made some legislation in their Favour. Meanwhile, some other country are heavily clamping down on the community, even to the point of sentencing such individuals to jail. It is to note that Majority of these countries who clamp the down are from the Middle East and Africa, countries who claim to be religious. Nigeria is definitely one of Such countries.
What's my stance on the community?
Am I a supporter or an opposition? Neither, I am OR. I sit on the fence because I do not have the right nor the power to declare how people choose to express their sexuality. I happen to be an individual with an open mind to a new possibility. I do not find it okay to discriminate people for being true to their identity.
If my male friend comes out as gay, what would I do?
Would I embrace him, or abnegate the friendship? While it is definitely not easy to embrace fully, I would not renounce our friendship because friends are supposed to be there for us even at our darkest and lowest hours. So yes, I would embrace him and all that comes along with it, be it stigma, rejection, ostracism or excommunication. Easier said than done right?
If my female friend comes out as gay, what would I do?
Somehow, I find I easier to accept lesbianism than gayness. Truth of fact, I find it stimulating. I don't know, maybe it's cause they are the opposite sex. I'm straight, but I would totally not mind having a lesbian or bi-sexual female friend.
If my son comes out as gay, what would I do?
It would be a bitter pill to swallow, but must be swallowed nonetheless. It might take time to absord and accept his identity, but I would never push or disown him because after all, his happiness is all that matters. If he is okay and happy with his decision and not going through any phase, I'll be okay with it.
If my daughter comes out as gay, what would I do?
My reaction would be similar to that of my son, except her acceptance will be more quicker cause she is a female. As I mentioned above, but it is easier for me to come to term with lesbianism.
Will that make me a bad parent?
No, I guess. Definition of a bad parent is relative. As long as my kids consider me a superhero, I don't care who tags me a villain.
I might not be right, but a country should not force or dictate her citizens sexual expression, preference, behavior or orientation. The government says it is for all persons but is it truly?
In order not to be parochial, my speech will be aimed at Nigerians and Nigeria as a country.
Nigeria claims to practice democracy but is it true democracy, or Authoritarian rule in Democracy skin disguise. Democracy is supposed to be a government for all persons, not just for straight individuals. It should not matter if their sexual orientation are morally repulsive to some (Morality is relative), so long as it is within the cofines of the law and not a felony, LGBTQ community deserves equal voice and should be treated as a citizen, not denigrates or deviants and certainly not as criminals.
Nigerians can do better than this open air hate. You do not have to embrace or be friends with them, that is your personal decision to make, but treating them as as a smear that needs to be erased is a mentality that should be disposed of.
It is okay to be homophobic, we all have out fears and insecurities but it should only be exhibited in your room. When in public, relegate your phobia to the extreme end of your mind. Thou shall not think an individual less simply because they do not share the same sexual orientation or view with you.
And speaking of morals, I think Nigerians are worried about the wrong thing. Ya'll claim to be religiously inclined to a faith, but ranked 2nd most corrupt country in the world. So much for your supposed righteousness. You should confront your corruption before interfering in people's sex life. LGBTQ community should be the least of your concern, fix your economy first, fix your corruption before interfering in people's lifestyle and choices.
A lot of Nigerians eventually become what they hate. Some of you were not happy with your parents choosing your course of study, but feels it is okay to dictate people's choice or sexual expression. A lot of you are flawed in your own ways, but somehow seem to think you have the moral superiority to dictate how people choose to obtain Orgasm.
FIX UP!!!