Finding joy against all odds appears to be the driving force of APA this year, as over a hundred queer activists and feminists defy intolerance and intimidations to gather from across the country to celebrate Pride, culture and togetherness.
The 3-day event, which boasted panel discussions, music, and dance in locations across the resort, emphasized the philosophy of “Ubuntu”, which entailed a robust framework for resistance.
With vibrant energy and creativity on display throughout the event, participants bonded over a steady exchange of ideas and a stream of community engagement activities.
This comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and dignity are heavily challenged. These attacks, which often involve misinformation, stigma, and violence, have forced many to flee into hiding. WHER Initiative and WISE, both partners of APA 2024, bore the brunt of these crackdowns and attacks targeted at queer organizations earlier this year.
Rather than capitulate to hate and intimidation, APA remained steadfast in its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive platform for LGBTQ+ community members. In fact, prominence was given to the topic “Media as a tool for social change” as a way of addressing the recent onslaught of hateful propaganda and viral disinformation.
On the night of arrival, there was a huge bonfire. And within the comfort of its warmth, participants practised healing and spiritual rejuvenation, expressing their troubles and anxieties and freeing themselves from it.
APA 2024 manifested a rich palette of African cultural heritage, with participants adorned in the full glamour of their native attire. Proverbs and histories of various cultures were incorporated in broaching such immediate issues as confronting anti-rights movements in Africa and the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.
During the panel discussion Akudo Oguaghamba and Juliet Nnedimma, Executive Directors of WHER Initiative and WISE respectively, called on the LGBTQ people to unite and play a part in bringing the community closer and building back stronger.
As is customary, there was heavy security presence, with personnel taking active watch of the surroundings. The coordinators oversaw a smooth flow of the schedule as planned.
Souvenirs included bags and water bottles, t-shirts and notepads, pens, cups and flasks. Part of the food served were local dishes like crisply grilled suya, roasted yam and plantain, pepper soup, and an assortment of other native meals—okra, vegetable, bitter leaf and ogbono soup.
But the highlight of the celebration was the We Rise! Gala Night, which took place on the last day. Many talents walked the ball, showcasing their creativity and flair in the provided categories of Extravaganza, Best Couple, This Body Tea, Face, and Tattoo. With that, the night ended with an open dance floor.
APA 2024 was “a moment I wish could last forever,” one participant, Precious, said. “I enjoyed every bit of it, especially learning more about myself and my community, knowing I have lots of siblings all over the world. That makes me really happy.”
A. J who was attending APA for the first time expressed great delight in feeling that her voice mattered in fostering social change. Another participant, M. H, speaking on behalf of him and his partner, wrote, “It was more than a fight against discrimination, [it was] an avenue to express queer love in a circle of kind-hearted people, something that we rarely, if ever, get outside of those walls.”
Rooted in Ubuntu’s profound message—”I am because we are”—this year’s gathering demonstrated the unbreakable spirit of a community united against adversity. As APA 2024 showed, even in the darkest times, joy, creativity, and resilience can prevail, inspiring a brighter future for LGBTQ+ people across Africa.
—Godswill Arinze Agubalu for WHER Nigeria