Navigating shadows: the lived experiences of sexual minorities in Nigeria

Empirical studies indicate a growing recognition and acceptance of LGBT+ people in Nigeria, particularly in popular culture. This is occurring despite the passing of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) and the widespread promulgation of homophobic attitudes entrenched in cultural and religious beliefs. This study explores the lived experiences of LGBT+ community members in Nigeria amid shifting societal realities. The complex social, cultural, religious, institutional, and legal factors that shape LGBT+ experiences in Nigeria are critically discussed. Adopting a phenomenological lens, forty participants who identified themselves as LGBT+ across various age groups, ethnicities, and religious affiliations were recruited via two-stage sampling. Study findings reveal that LGBT+ experiences in Nigeria vary between generations. Older participants in this study recalled periods of heightened stigma and suppression. In contrast, younger participants reported a more supportive network that has led to increasing openness about their sexuality and sexual orientation. Nonetheless, discrimination remains prevalent, often reinforced by misinformation. Narratives from participants reveal that while persecution fears persist, social media platforms have emerged as safe spaces for community building, welfare, and information sharing among LGBT+ community members in Nigeria.