Cultural politics of African queer orientation: a critical exploration of Nigerian antigay act backlashes on Social Media

This study analyses the backlashes of Nigeria’s 2013 antigay statute as narrated in social media videos. Nigerian queer community is restrained by the law and this restraint raises human rights questions. The study is guided by Johan Galtung’s break-of-violence Theory of Peace. It employs some methodological strategies including purposive data selection, qualitative research principles, use of internet-mediated platforms, inclusion of Diaspora vloggers, and gender consideration. It is noted in the study that some backlashes trail the Nigerian same-sex prohibition law, which are identified in the video such as shock collapse of conventional nuptials, kito-extortion, forced sexual abstinence, and denial of sexual health access. Nigeria is in the dilemma between upholding her cultural-religious tenets and abiding by international commitments such as United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Nigerian government cannot be insensitive to cultural and religious leanings of its people because of politicking. Yet, the antigay law is a violation of the principles of freedom. Solutions can be found in the civil society. Heterosexual Nigerians should therefore hold pre-nuptial conversations on sexual orientations with partners to avert shock discoveries. Government also needs to revisit the antigay law for possible amendments. Such a revisit will curb backlashes such as kito-onslaughts.