In a powerful display of community and defiance, African Pride Accelerated 2024 brought together the LGBTQ+ community from across the country to celebrate their triumphs, resilience, and communal growth. The event, held September 24th-27th, served as a vital platform for connection, empowerment, and activism.
Conceived as a response to the persistent oppression and violence faced by grassroots communities, African Pride Accelerated 2024 offered a safe space for reflection, growth, and collective action. The event’s comprehensive program featured stimulating panel discussions and interactive workshops focused on key themes, including:
- The Future of LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa
- Confronting Anti-Rights Movements in Africa
- “Ubuntu” as a Framework for Resistance
- Safety in Activism: Protecting LGBTQ Advocates and Allies
- Media as a Tool for Social Change
- Mindful and mental health: healing, mindfulness, relaxation, and body positivity.
- Safety and security: Basic self-defense techniques tailored for LGBTQ+ persons
Innovative side events, showcasing art as a form of resistance, provided a creative outlet for expression and social commentary. These diverse programs underscored the rich tapestry of African experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among attendees.
DAY ONE
The first day of APA 2024 set a strong tone for resilience, pride, and strategic action, paving the way for continued progress in the fight for equality and human rights. Mr. Nkansi Godwin welcomed participants and laid down ground rules for respectful and smooth engagement.
Akudo Oguaghamba, WHER’s Executive Director, set the tone for a powerful day with her heartfelt welcome. She celebrated the queer community’s resilience, acknowledged the dedication of activists and allies, and rallied the crowd with a defiant affirmation: “We are here, and we are queer.”
EMPOWERING VOICES: GUESTS SPEAKERS AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The event kicked off with a warm welcome to representatives from key organizations, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), United Nations, US, and Netherlands. Charity Uwana from NHRC delivered a heartfelt goodwill message, commending APA’s dedication to human rights and highlighting the commission’s efforts to combat discriminatory frameworks.
SAFETY FIRST ORIENTATION
Mr. Oboh Oghenero, Chief Security Officer at Zuma Rock Resort, ensured everyone’s safety with a comprehensive fire safety briefing, demonstrating emergency response techniques, including assistance for choking victims.
PANEL 1: CONFRONTING ANTI-RIGHTS MOVEMENTS IN AFRICA
Akudo Oguaghamba moderated the first panel discussion, tackling the rising anti-rights movements in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria. Panelists Bethel Onyedikachi, Barrister Juliet Uloma, Valor Bassey, and Alex Festus Chinaza shared insights on strategies employed by anti-rights movements and proposed solutions.
Valor Bassey emphasized the need for internal unity and resilience within the community. Bethel Onyedikachi stressed the importance of grassroots advocacy and international networking. Alex Chinaza focused on capacity building, online information dissemination, and representation in decision-making spaces. Barrister Juliet Uloma reiterated the importance of self-advocacy and accountability, sharing challenges from previous APA editions.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, addressing concerns on maintaining online visibility and safety.
PANEL 2: THE FUTURE OF LGBTQ+ RIGHTS IN AFRICA: OVERCOMING CURRENT CHALLENGES AND ENVISIONING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW, MODERATED BY JULIET NNEDINMA
Nigeria’s queer community faces significant legal and social challenges, particularly with the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA). A recent panel discussion, moderated by Barrister Nnedimma, explored these issues with experts Barrister Ojonugwa Ruth, Barrister Efemena Agahro, and HR Consultant Louisa Ogwuru.
The discussion highlighted major obstacles, including the misuse of SSMPA, limited legal education, and biased legal representation. These challenges perpetuate discrimination and hinder access to justice for queer individuals.
To address these issues, experts emphasized the importance of improved legal education, accessible legal information, and legislative advocacy. The panel concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on the most effective strategies for protecting LGBTQI rights, emphasizing the need for collective action.
Barrister Ruth highlighted the bias against queer individuals in legal spaces, while Barrister Efemena called for better legal education and awareness. Louisa stressed the importance of making legal information accessible and the necessity of legislative advocacy for long-term change. The session closed with a discussion on legal strategies for protecting LGBTQI rights, with differing views on whether litigation or legislative reform is the best path forward.
DAY TWO
The second day of APA 2024 began with a panel discussion on digital activism, delving into the complex intersection of media and social activism with Nigerian’s LGBTQ+ community.
DIGITAL ACTIVISM: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO ADVOCATE FOR LGBTQ+ RIGHTS, COUNTER MISINFORMATION, AND MOBILIZE SUPPORT, MODERATED BY AMARA
The panel, moderated by Amara, brought together five experts: Edwin, a theatre director and storyteller; Fefe, a journalist and human rights advocate; Ayodele, a storyteller and speaker; Funsho, a human rights activist and media personality; and Precious Harry, a renowned filmmaker and storyteller.
The discussion excelled in its nuanced critique of the enduring impact of stereotypes against queer identities. For Fefe, “storytelling is an essential means of combating hateful narratives”. He detailed the need for creating and uplifting counter-narratives as a way of dispelling the rampant myths perpetrated by anti-right activities. Ayodele, who continues to make efforts across movement lines suggested intra-communal education as a way of reclaiming the dignity of marginalized queer folks.
Asked about the current state of queerness in media representation, Edwin emphasized the importance of diverse, authentic storytelling in challenging stereotypes and bad faith portrayals of queerness. Funsho pointed out strategies for safely leveraging social media to mobilize support and awareness.
Precious Harry discussed the risks faced by openly LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria, stressing the need for secure online platforms, as well as taking preventative measures to secure the identities of participants used in the making of online content. Fefe spotlighted the investigative findings on anti-LGBTQ+ vigilantism, demonstrating the critical role of journalism in exposing human rights abuses.
Audience engagement was robust, with thoughtful questions probing the roots of most of the mentioned myths, some from Western misconceptions and religious misinterpretations. Overall, the panel’s success lay in its critical perspectives and willingness to confront challenges, stressing the significance of Nigerian-led initiatives.
DAY THREE
The third day of APA 2024, which was the final day of the event, consisted mostly of outdoor activities. It began with exercises and stretches, workouts and yoga. With the morning cool and a little breezy, participants practised trust exercises one-on-one and released stress and burdens of their joints and muscles through flexibility training and development stretches.
After breakfast, the activities commenced in full. Five groups with not less than ten participants for each gathered on the field to perform their collective interpretations of the theme of “Ubuntu” through drama, dance, poetry and song. Each theme put in great creative efforts within the short time of less than a day.
In an immersive fusion of music and theatre, participants freely expressed their imagination, embodying the theme through heartfelt performances. With this, they indeed demonstrated the creative ways in which art could be leveraged for social justice. The performances underscored the philosophy of solidarity and recognition of our collective humanity.
WE RISE! GALA NIGHT
The Gala night began with a dazzling red carpet reception, where participants reflected on their African Pride Accelerated journey and shared their anticipation for the evening. As they strutted their stylish attire in a kaleidoscope of colours, the stage was set for an extraordinary night. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular ballroom competition, featuring many coveted categories, including: Face, Body, Tattoo, Couples Walk, and the grand Extravaganza.
The evening’s entertainment continued with electrifying karaoke performances, showcasing the various talents of participants. As the music transitioned to upbeat dance tracks, the floor opened, inviting all to join in. With drinks flowing and delicious small chops served on every table, the night transformed into a vibrant celebration of connection, joy, and self-expression.
TOURING THE RESORT
As we arrived at the rock formation for the outdoor activity, its impressive size and natural beauty was indeed breathtaking. Surrounded by lush greenery, the rock’s rugged texture stood out in the warm sunlight. The area’s peaceful atmosphere was filled with birdsong, rustling leaves, and gentle breezes. We enjoyed exploring the grounds, discovering new views and angles of the rock’s unique presence.
Our tour also introduced us to the resort’s charming inhabitants—adorable bunnies and rabbits, antelopes, and zebras, roaming freely in their natural habitat. With the convenience of a golf cart at our disposal, navigating the expansive grounds was effortless. The seamless transportation ensured a relaxed and enjoyable experience, letting us focus on the beauty of the surroundings and the delightful wildlife that call this haven home.
SUMMARY
Overall, African Pride Accelerated (APA) 2024 ignited hope and resilience in Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community. The event fostered unity, grassroots advocacy, and legal education, equipping attendees with the necessary knowledge to combat discrimination.
Every aspect of APA 2024 reflected meticulous planning and a clear commitment to creating an unforgettable experience. From the stunning venue and elegantly appointed rooms to the thoughtfully curated programs and delectable cuisine, every detail demonstrated the organizers’ dedication to providing participants with a truly exceptional three-day getaway.
APA 2024’s lasting impact will stem from its emphasis on collective action, creative expression, and community-driven initiatives. This milestone event will continue to inspire and empower, paving the way for a brighter future for Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community.