The Politics of Nigerian ‘Pride’

For a long time, queer Nigerians have created spaces that affirm and celebrate queer identities. That these efforts aren’t public marches with international media coverage or corporate sponsorship does not make them any less valid.

Did you know Pride celebrations began as a riot, a revolution, and a call for liberation? In the early hours of 28 June 1969, the police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City in the US, arresting patrons and forcing them into police vehicles. However, instead of succumbing to this act of state-sponsored homophobia, patrons from other lesbian and gay bars in the area, trans activists, and unhoused LGBTQIA+ folks fought back, forcing the homophobic police force to retreat. The riots continued over the next few nights, culminating in a march to Central Park the following year. This march adopted the theme of ‘Gay Pride’ to counter the shame society had taught LGBTQ+ individuals to feel. 

Pride has become a powerful emblem of identity and resistance worldwide. Due to the courage of the Stonewall patrons and generations of LGBTQIA+ activists, parts of the world are now safer and more accepting of queer people than they were just a few years ago. In countries with progressive stances on LGBTQIA+ rights, Pride celebrations are grand, public, and commercially sponsored events. 

As the supposed global acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights continues to grow, the corporate incentive for brands and companies to participate in Pride has also increased. Brands position themselves as allies while finding ways to profit from the commercialization of Pride Month. Marketing during Pride not only attracts new business but also cultivates repeat customers, as LGBTQIA+ individuals tend to support brands that align with their values—even if these brands do little more than add rainbow stripes to their products. 

Pride celebrations originated as profoundly political acts, during an era devoid of tolerance or rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The primary objective of these early Pride events was to create a reality where LGBTQIA+ people would no longer have to struggle for basic rights and acceptance. However, in many Western countries today, Pride has transformed into a festive celebration rather than a political statement, likely due to the seeming significant strides made toward acceptance and tolerance. While various groups recognize the political history of Pride and still approach the celebrations with this mindset, the perceived progress made by LGBTQIA+ people in Western spaces, combined with the West’s desire to be seen as a haven for LGBTQIA+ individuals (whether true or not), has led to a degree of leniency that dilutes the political potential of Pride. This leniency has also opened the door to capitalist interests, resulting in the commercialization and commodification of Pride...