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Five years ago, the Nigerian government signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, essentially banning gay relationships. Activists say the law has worsened discrimination against sexual minorities in the highly religious country. They also claim there’s been a rise in instances of extortion and blackmail of the LGBTQI+ community by security forces. Half a decade after the law passed, our correspondent Mayeni Jones investigates what life is really like for Nigeria’s gay community. Source

Happy New Year ladies!

How to come out as gay: Atta recommends telling somebody that you trust first. After you’ve got one ally, “you have your support and I think the rest gets easier from there,” he explains. For him, navigating his identity became easier once he found black, queer communities that he felt he belonged to. Lastly, do not worry about when you come out, he says. “It doesn’t have to be on National Coming Out Day, it could be any day because that will be your national coming out day.” Source

An old short film with a gay character played by a Nigerian seems to have a lesson for us all. It sort of reawakens and enforces the need to sometimes question some of our beliefs and values. The 2013 short film ‘Siri Oko Fo [Mending Fences]’ explored the life of an interracial gay couple living abroad. Nigerian filmmaker Ebbe Bassey was the Executive Director of the film and the producers are Josh Hetzler and Ed Ro. Starring in the film are Ebbe Bassey, Aminah James, Kola Ogundiran, and Ash Roeca. Other themes explored in the film are love, family bonds, same-sex parenting, and female genital mutilation in Nigeria. Also, the film made its debut at the 2008 Cannes International Film Festival in Nice, France and has gone on to screen at other festivals such as the Hollywood Black Film Festival (Los Angeles), Urban World Film Festival (New York), etc. In a country where so many people do not understand what it truly means to be gay, films such as this, are means through which people can learn and understand the struggles and realities of being gay and Nigerian. Source

Gesare Chife said she visited Eastern Nigeria for the first time and what struck her was the land left uncultivated, which is something unusual in Kenya. Source

A new web-series produced by super-star Nollywood actress and film producer, Uche Jombo, highlights issues relating to men pretending to be gay for financial gains. Many young Nigerian men, deceive gay men into believing that they are gay with an intention to rip them off. Most times things get very ugly for both parties, but more often, gay men are mostly blackmailed and extorted if they refuse to keep up. However, Jombo’s new series ‘Social Media Slay’ addresses and highlights the issue from a whole different and interesting perspective with an exciting twist. The reality/drama series is based around real-life experiences of people living fake on the internet. The film was released under Jumbo’s film company Uche Jombo Studios and is exclusively available on Nvivo TV, a new Nigerian online free video streaming platform. Episode 3 of the series is a must-watch, especially for those thinking about deceiving gay people for financial gains. This is particularly exciting as we are beginning to witness an era where queer issues are being objectively addressed in the Nigerian mainstream media. To watch the film, click HERE. Source

In an exclusive interview, Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford talks to the president of Zambia about the US ambassador's remarks on a gay couple who have been imprisoned and the row that has sparked between the two countries.

I stumbled on this quote online, and decided to share with the group. What is your take on being socially awkward/introverted.

Mursi Haynes knows a thing or two about hard work. After serving in the United States Air Force for five years, she deejayed and freelanced in TV production for a number of years before finally deciding to pursue a more entrepreneurial role as a content creator. But it's only been within the last year that Mursi has developed and catapulted her Talent Management career, where she consults, represents, pitches, negotiates, schedules and books. That's a lot of talking, networking, and showing face. "When I first took on this position, more of my day consisted of handling bookings, scheduling, and so forth," Mursi explained. "Shortly after, I began pitching my client to brands, negotiating deals, attending industry events and creative shoots." As a result, Mursi realized her work wardrobe didn't reflect her new, more professional title. "My professional goal is to get out of my comfort zone, and attend more in-person meetings and events in order to expand my network. I want to shake more hands versus striking keys. In my opinion, it's a much more effective way of connecting with people." While Mursi recognizes the need for a wardrobe update, she's always had a passion for style and a very clear-cut view of her aesthetic. "One thing that has never changed is my love for a more androgynous style," Mursi explained. While she defines her general style as edgy, casual, and sometimes street, her goal for this season is to keep elements of edginess, yet elevate her look professionally. "It's already a challenge for me as a woman, black, and queer to walk into a room and demand fair compensation for my client's time and talent," Mursi said. "It's important for me to feel and look great when I'm discussing money." These neutral suits from the Lauren Ralph Lauren Fall 2019 collection are perfect for when Mursi is in a more client-facing day. "I can see myself wearing these neutral-patterned tailored suits to business meetings, especially with brand reps, accompanying my clients on campaign shoots, or daytime industry events," she said. Plus, a head-to-toe monochromatic look is a power move no one can ignore. Mursi definitely has strong opinions about style, but she admits she's not great at keeping up with trends. Specifically, she said, "I am looking to incorporate more color, both casually and professionally." For those dressier evening events, a royal purple corduroy blazer and trouser set is a great way to make a statement while maintaining her unique aesthetic. In addition, she can upgrade loafers by looking for a luxe fabric like velvet or croc-effect. "This outfit would have been perfect for two events I attended recently," Mursi said. "One was a cocktail party for a product launch and the other for a new brand to market. I can absolutely step out in this suit for similar upcoming events." The key for Mursi's new elevated style is simple outfit formulas that are easy to follow. "My partner picks on me all the time because I take forever to get ready," she said. "I spend so much time trying to put pieces together, I sometimes get frustrated." Mursi admits to wearing jeans with a t-shirt or collared shirt and sneakers most days, maybe throwing on a blazer if the weather is cooler. Luckily, she can take that same outfit formula and elevate it with a few tailored pieces. A fitted trouser and wool-blend blazer will provide that same level of comfort, but with a professional, unique twist. "It's all about finding that balance between masculine and feminine when shopping as this is a reflection of my individuality," Mursi said. Source

Gay people are mostly misunderstood and seen in more negative ways, a lot of the things people believe about LGBTIQ+ people are complete lies based entirely on stereotypes. But what many do not know is that there are so many fantastic and awesome things about LGBTIQ+ people. Read below 5 things that people do not know about gay people. 1. THEY ARE INFLUENTIAL Most gay people might not like the sort of attention their sexuality brings. But the truth is; no one can decide how people react to their personality. Gay people are like stars and celebrities. They command so much attention wherever they are spotted. This is because like stars, they are meant to shine and influence. 2. THEY ARE FABULOUS. Gay people are special. They have an exceptional sense of humor, class, and style. They are mostly smart and destined for greatness. No wonder people can’t stop obsessing and talking about them. This is because no one can ignore or resist greatness and potentials when they see it. 3. THEY ARE CREATIVE Difference isn’t always a bad thing. Yes, gay people are like everyone else in the sense that they want the same things that every other person wants. But the uniqueness of their sexuality separates them from the crowd. This unique quality allows gay people to see things differently, and this is why they are intensely creative. 4. THEY ARE COMPASSIONATE Because gay people know exactly how it feels to be rejected and discriminated against, they are more sympathetic to other vulnerable groups. They mostly go out of their way to ensure that people are treated fairly. No wonder a lot of them are very passionate about social justice. 5. THEY ARE LOVEABLE Most people who are homophobic are those who do not have a personal relationship with a gay person. Their judgments and bias are mostly based on negative stereotypes and ignorance about gay issues. Those who are close to gay people will tell you that they are the most lovable, disciplined, and focused people you will ever know and meet. Source

The number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States in 2018 increased for the second consecutive year. In 2017, homelessness had increased for the first time in seven years. On a single night last year, more than half a million Americans lacked permanent shelter, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A significant number of people staying in sheltered locations in January 2018 – about 4,000 – were likely displaced by presidentially declared national disasters, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate. 48. Kansas City, Missouri • Note: Estimate includes Jackson County, Missouri and Wyandotte County, Kansas • Homeless population: 1,798 (includes 324 unsheltered) • City population: 151,042 47. New Orleans, Louisiana • Note: Estimate includes Jefferson Parish • Homeless population: 1,188 (includes 594 unsheltered) • City population: 388,182 46. Wichita, Kansas • Note: Estimate includes Sedgwick County • Homeless population: 573 (includes 58 unsheltered) • City population: 389,054 45. Tulsa, Oklahoma • Note: Estimate includes city & county of Tulsa • Homeless population: 1,083 (includes 226 unsheltered) • City population: 401,352 44. Minneapolis, Minnesota • Note: Estimate includes Hennepin County • Homeless population: 3,013 (includes 404 unsheltered) • City population: 411,452 43. Oakland, Berkeley, California • Note: Estimate includes Alameda County • Homeless population: 5,496 (includes 3,863 unsheltered) • City population: 417,442 42. Miami, Florida • Note: Estimate includes Dade County • Homeless population: 3,516 (includes 1,030 unsheltered) • City population: 443,007 41. Raleigh, North Carolina • Note: Estimate includes Wake County • Homeless population: 983 (includes 192 unsheltered) • City population: 449,477 40. Colorado Springs, Colorado • Note: Estimate includes El Paso County • Homeless population: 1,551 (includes 513 unsheltered) • City population: 450,000 39. Virginia Beach, Virginia • Note: Estimate only includes city proper • Homeless population: 243 (includes 72 unsheltered) • City population: 450,057 38. Omaha, Nebraska • Note: Estimate includes the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area • Homeless population: 1,411 (includes 64 unsheltered) • City population: 463,081 37. Atlanta, Georgia • Homeless population: 3,076 (includes 740 unsheltered) • City population: 465,230 36. Long Beach, California • Note: Estimate only includes city proper • Homeless population: 1,873 (includes 1,208 unsheltered) • City population: 470,489 35. Sacramento, California • Note: Estimate includes county of Sacramento • Homeless population: 3,621 (includes 2,052 unsheltered) • City population: 489,650 34. Fresno, California • Note: Estimate includes Fresno and Madera counties • Homeless population: 2,144 (includes 1,681 unsheltered) • City population: 519,037 33. Tucson, Arizona • Note: Estimate includes Pima County • Homeless population: 1,380 (includes 363 unsheltered) • City population: 530,905 32. Albuquerque, New Mexico • Homeless population: 1,340 (includes 384 unsheltered) • City population: 556,718 31. Milwaukee, Wisconsin • Note: Estimate includes Milwaukee city & county • Homeless population: 871 (includes 161 unsheltered) • City population: 599,086 30. Louisville, Kentucky • Note: Estimate includes Jefferson County • Homeless population: 926 (includes 153 unsheltered) • City population: 615,478 29. Baltimore, Maryland • Homeless population: 2,508 (includes 546 unsheltered) • City population: 619,796 28. Las Vegas, Nevada • Note: Estimate includes Clark County • Homeless population: 6,083 (includes 3,884 unsheltered) • City population: 621,662 27. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma • Homeless population: 1,183 (includes 394 unsheltered) • City population: 629,191 26. Portland, Gresham, Oregon • Note: Estimate includes Multnomah County • Homeless population: 4,019 (includes 1,668 unsheltered) • City population: 630,331 25. Nashville, Tennessee • Note: Estimate includes Davidson County • Homeless population: 2,298 (includes 616 unsheltered) • City population: 654,187 24. Memphis, Tennessee • Note: Estimate includes Shelby County • Homeless population: 1,226 (includes 102 unsheltered) • City population: 654,723 23. Boston, Massachusetts • Note: Estimate includes only city proper • Homeless population: 6,188 (includes 163 unsheltered) • City population: 669,158 22. District of Columbia, District of Columbia • Homeless population: 6,904 (includes 600 unsheltered) • City population: 672,391 21. El Paso, Texas • Note: Estimate includes El Paso County • Homeless population: 892 (includes 177 unsheltered) • City population: 678,266 20. Metropolitan Denver, Colorado • Note: Estimate includes Denver metropolitan area • Homeless population: 5,317 (includes 1,308 unsheltered) • City population: 678,467 19. Detroit, Michigan • Homeless population: 1,769 (includes 158 unsheltered) • City population: 679,865 18. Seattle, Washington • Note: Estimate includes King County • Homeless population: 12,112 (includes 6,320 unsheltered) • City population: 688,245 17. Charlotte, North Carolina • Note: Estimate includes Mecklenberg • Homeless population: 1,668 (includes 209 unsheltered) • City population: 826,060 16. Fort Worth, Arlington, Texas • Note: Estimate includes Tarrant County • Homeless population: 2,015 (includes 678 unsheltered) • City population: 835,129 15. Columbus, Ohio • Note: Estimate includes Franklin County • Homeless population: 1,807 (includes 288 unsheltered) • City population: 852,144 14. Indianapolis, Indiana • Homeless population: 1,682 (includes 136 unsheltered) • City population: 853,431 13. San Francisco, California • Homeless population: 6,857 (includes 4,353 unsheltered) • City population: 864,263 12. Jacksonville-Duval, Florida • Note: Estimate includes Clay County • Homeless population: 1,794 (includes 429 unsheltered) • City population: 867,313 11. Austin, Texas • Note: Estimate includes Travis County • Homeless population: 2,147 (includes 1,014 unsheltered) • City population: 916,906 10. San Jose, California • Note: Estimate includes Santa Clara City & County • Homeless population: 7,254 (includes 5,448 unsheltered) • City population: 1,023,031 9. Dallas, Texas • Note: Estimate includes Dallas County • Homeless population: 4,121 (includes 1,341 unsheltered) • City population: 1,300,122 8. San Diego, California • Note: Estimate includes San Diego city and county • Homeless population: 8,576 (includes 4,990 unsheltered) • City population: 1,390,966 7. San Antonio, Texas • Note: Estimate includes Bexar County • Homeless population: 3,066 (includes 1,353 unsheltered) • City population: 1,461,623 6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Homeless population: 5,788 (includes 1,083 unsheltered) • City population: 1,569,657 5. Phoenix, Arizona • Note: Estimate includes Mesa, Maricopa County • Homeless population: 6,298 (includes 2,618 unsheltered) • City population: 1,574,421 4. Houston, Pasadena, Conroe, Texas • Note: Estimate includes Harris, Ft. Bend, and Montgomery counties • Homeless population: 4,143 (includes 1,614 unsheltered) • City population: 2,267,336 3. Chicago, Illinois • Homeless population: 5,450 (includes 1,357 unsheltered) • City population: 2,722,586 2. Los Angeles, California • Note: Estimate includes Los Angeles city & county • Homeless population: 49,955 (includes 37,570 unsheltered) • City population: 3,949,776 1. New York City, New York • Homeless population: 78,676 (includes 3,711 unsheltered) • City population: 8,560,072 Source

Nigerian lesbian Judith Ndukwu and her fiance Mona Nghixulifwa both tied the knot at a beautiful wedding ceremony in the Netherlands. Mona is from Namibia, while Judith is from Nigeria. The couple got married last weekend at Beachclub Naturel, Scheveningen in The Hague, Netherlands. In attendance were prominent lawyers, activists, and persons who flew in from the U.S., EU, UK, and Canada. Family and friends were also present including lots of LGBTIQ+ persons. The wedding was officiated by renowned Nigerian gay reverend, Rev. Jide Rebirth Macaulay, founder of House of Rainbow, an LGBTIQ+ affirming faith-based organization. Congratulations to the beautiful couple. Source

Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski wrote a pastoral letter dated September 28, which was published in full by right-wing Polish magazine Do Rzeczy. He said: “Currently we are living at a time in which the next great threat to our freedom has appeared, and it is of a totalitarian nature. “Its source is — just like the totalitarianisms of the 20th century — a radical rejection of God. “As a consequence of this rejection, a new vision of man is being proclaimed in which he becomes a caricature of himself. “As part of gender ideology, there are attempts to obliterate the natural differences between woman and man. “Moreover, through the aggressive propaganda of LGBT ideology in the name of so-called ‘tolerance’ and ‘progress’, that which is most sacred to us is mocked.” He said Christians in Poland were “being forced to promote LGBT ideology”, and added: “This clearly reminds us of the totalitarian times of the Polish People’s Republic, when social advancements were guaranteed only to members of the communist party, and believers were treated as second-class citizens.” Jędraszewski also called World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for sex education in schools an “anti-morality offensive” which would lead to “great spiritual harm done to children and young people”. He also previously said in a sermon that LGBT+ people a “rainbow plague”. He said: “Our land is no longer affected by the red plague, which does not mean that there is no new one that wants to control our souls, hearts and minds… Not red, but rainbow.” American Catholic news site LifeSiteNews approvingly reported the letter from the archbishop, and also quoted a Catholic American student in Kraków who had a bizarre interpretation of the LGBT+ community. Filip Mazurczak said: “While Warsaw hipsters may love LGBT as much as they love veganism, bands nobody else has heard of, and not shaving, a large part of Polish society is conservative and Catholic and opposes this.” Anti-LGBT+ sentiment has been increasing in Poland and LGBT+ rights have become a contentious issue ahead of the October 13 parliamentary election. On September 29, violence erupted during a Pride parade in the Polish city of Lublin as far-right protesters hurled eggs, bottles and firecrackers in an attempt to stop people marching for LGBT+ rights. Source

Indeed, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I saved the tweet that recommended Sara Collins’ debut novel, but as soon as I learned that the protagonist was a same-sex loving Black woman in prison for killing her former slave-owning employers, I knew that I had to read it. A caveat: I’m still pondering over this novel’s inclusion on this website, but given the decidedly same-sex loving protagonist, I’ve decided to share my thoughts on it and let you decide. Keep in mind that using “lesbian” to describe female same-sex intimacies was first recorded in the late 19th century, and wasn’t used widely until well after that. The novel opens in 1826 with Frannie Langton about to stand trial in London’s Old Bailey for the murder of her former employers. She insists that she is innocent, but cannot remember anything about the murders. Frannie was their servant, a “gift” to George and Marguerite Benham from her former slave owners John and Bella Langton. After a precarious and somewhat mysterious existence on a plantation in the West Indies, specifically Jamaica, Frannie travels to London with her former owner John Langton, unsure what to make of her status as a newly free person. Confessions travels back and forth in time, meandering through Frannie’s young life on the plantation to her life in London and back again. Offered the opportunity to “give me something I can save your neck with,” Frannie pens her own story, sharing bits and pieces of her life as a slave and free woman. We learn that she serves as Langton’s attendant and scribe as he commits atrocities on the dead and the living, all in search of evidence that would prove once and for all that Black people are biologically inferior to whites, supporting the need to preserve the “peculiar institution” of chattel slavery. While this sub-plot of the novel is relevant given the setting, Collins’ attention to technical and scientific detail tends to slow down the pacing of the novel. These words, uttered by Phibbah, Frannie’s caretaker while still on the plantation and a reference to her first mistress, Miss Bella, would come back to haunt Frannie after her arrival in London. One of the more compelling plot lines in the novel is the “love” story between Frannie and her employer’s wife, Marguerite Benham. According to Frannie: As modern day readers, we know what Frannie may not when she returns, even encourages her mistress’s affections: this love affair is not going to end well for either of them. Frannie experiences uncommon highs as well as devastating lows during her time in London, and while I won’t spoil the ending by sharing any more details, I will note that the ending feels rushed compared to other parts of the novel. All in all, Collins’ neo-slave narrative/gothic novel is a good read for anyone interested in those genres, as well as lovers of literary fiction. It’s also an unconventional take on an interracial female same-sex love story, although it is not marketed as such. The dynamics of power, race, and sexuality all obtain in interesting ways, and while I’ve not written much about that here, I have a feeling I might have more to say about this novel later on. Source

WhatsApp is the most popular chat app on the planet right now. The Facebook-owned messenger works across an array of mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Mac or Windows PC. It lets users send text messages, videos, photos, files, webpages and more, over a mobile internet connection or Wi-Fi. WhatsApp is not known to race ahead with new or experimental features. Instead, the service plods along and slowly tweaks and improves its apps. As such, new features in WhatsApp are a big deal. We’ve been hearing about some pretty drastic changes in the pipeline for the app, so here’s five incoming changes that you should be on the look-out for… 1 – Vanishing Texts It might sound more like a nasty bug in the app, rather than an exciting new feature, but WhatsApp wants to implement disappearing texts into its app in the future. The SnapChat-inspired new feature will let you set a timer on your texts. So, like Tom Cruise’s boss in the Mission Impossible franchise, you can send messages that will self-destruct after a certain time has passed. WhatsApp looks set to brand the feature “Disappearing Messages,” which isn’t the most thrilling branding, but does the job. 2 – Dark Mode Black is this seasons hottest new trend, with both Google and Apple adding a system-wide Dark Mode to their latest mobile operating system. The option switches every part of the user interface that’s typically bright white to a dark shade of grey, or pitch-black. Apps have to be updated to support the new option – so they’re not blindingly white when users load them up while in Dark Mode. WhatsApp is working hard to support Dark Mode across both platforms, with numerous references to the new option surfacing in beta updates. The first nods to a Dark Mode appeared in September last year, so hopefully WhatsApp is well on track with the design tweak. 3 – WhatsApp Across Devices As it stands, WhatsApp is linked to your personal phone number. It’s a quick and easy way to verify your identity when signing into the app. WhatsApp is looking to become a true multi-platform system that will enable WhatsApp users to use the same account across a number of devices at the same time – in exactly the way Apple iMessage works. The update is a fundamental change to the way WhatsApp works. It means the company can build native apps for Mac and Windows that won’t require your smartphone to be nearby, switched on, or even have WhatsApp installed! 4 – WhatsApp on iPad Until WhatsApp changes its reliance on phone numbers, this is just a pipe-dream. But if the service becomes independent of your mobile number, as outlined above, then a native iPad app could be the next major platform to be supported by WhatsApp. As it stands, WhatsApp does not currently support Wi-Fi only devices. Like Apple’s own iMessage, you’ll be able to pick-up where you left-off with chats, video calls and voice conversations with all of your contacts – with all of your chat history synced to the tablet. The larger screen on the iPad means it’ll be perfect for watching video clips, or reading files sent to you on WhatsApp. 5 – iOS 8 Users Won’t Be Happy Sadly, not all changes are good news. As WhatsApp pushes forward with new features and updates to its core service, it can be difficult for the company to maintain support for ageing operating systems and platforms. Over the years, we’ve seen WhatsApp ditch BlackBerry, Android devices with version 2.3.7, and other smaller phone platforms entirely. WhatsApp has recently refreshed its support page and put another operating system on the chopping block. This time, it’s iOS 8 users who are going to lose access to the Facebook-owned messaging app. In its updated support page, WhatsApp states: “WhatsApp for iPhone requires iOS 9 or later. On iOS 8, you can no longer create new accounts or reverify existing accounts. “If WhatsApp is currently active on your iOS 8 device, you'll be able to use it until February 1, 2020. For the best experience, we recommend you use the latest version of iOS available for your phone.” Source

A new study has proved LGBT+ people routinely face discrimination from Uber and Lyft drivers, who cancel their journeys almost twice as frequently as with straight passengers. The study “When Transparency Fails: Bias and Financial Incentives in Ridesharing Platforms” revealed that LGBT+ people and black people were the most likely groups to be cancelled on. Professors Chris Parker and Jorge Meija conducted the study by creating passenger profiles with a picture of a rainbow flag, suggesting that the rider would be LGBT+ or an ally. They also created profiles with pictures of black riders and names often perceived as black, such as Keisha, Latoya, Rasheed, and Jamal. In a study of 3,200 journeys, they determined that the LGBT+ or ally “customers” were canceled on almost twice as much as those without the rainbow symbol. “We know that LGBTQ riders face discrimination with these rideshare apps, but we thought that it was an interesting little twist, that even just signalling your support for the LGBTQ community could result in a canceled ride,” Parker told NBC News. Similar cancellation rates were seen during peak and non-peak hours. The inherent bias was even worse with the study’s black riders, whose journeys were cancelled nearly three times as often as white riders. However, unlike LGBT+ passengers, they were less likely to be cancelled during peak hours, suggesting that the increased cost of the trip was enough of an incentive to accept the journey. Although the study only proved drivers’ inherent bias before a LGBT+ person enters the car, there are LGBT+ people have often complained of discrimination once inside an Uber or Lyft. Uber drivers have been accused of giving customers low ratings because they are LGBT+, and there are numerous examples of LGBT+ couples being thrown out of taxis for public displays of affection. Source

The undergraduate student went on Twitter to share about 5 cases of homophobic assaults and harassments he has experienced living openly as gay in Nigeria. Homophobic attacks are common in the country. Every day, the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, (LGBT) people are violated by state and non-state actors. Perpetrators enjoy impunity because the law doesn’t protect LGBTIQ+ people. Religion and ignorance about LGBTI issues are the leading cause of homophobia in Nigeria. Frustrated with his situation, Blaise who has suffered multiple human rights violations and a victim of several hate crimes says he is now struggling with his mental health. “Everything that happened to me messed me up big time, I won’t lie. I still haven’t recovered from any of them. I now deal with a complicated paranoia and anxiety. I’m not in a good place mentally at all. Much has happened, I have passed them but I know many will still come” he tweeted. Read his tweets below. Source

A Muslim and Christian lesbian couple got married and the photos from their wedding were shared online. The Muslim woman wore a hijab for the ceremony. Both women were in a white dress as they posed surrounded by nature. The photos were shared with the caption: “A Muslim and a Christian who say yes. progress.” But a number of Twitter users did not agree that it was progress due to the fact that the couple are not only of different religions but also of same sex. They condemned the union and insisted the Muslim woman is not a true Muslim because she ended up taking off her hijab. Source

Saw this online If the judge ordered you to be with your ex for a year or get locked up for a year, what will you do? 😉😄😃

Interesting question I found online, and thought to share with the community. Can someone be everything you want and still turn you off?

Simone Biles made history more than once this weekend during the US Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Missouri. The five-time Olympic medalist and 14-time world champion became the first woman to ever land a triple-double in competition during her floor routine Sunday night. She also snagged her sixth national all-around title with a score of 118.500, nearly five points ahead of second place finisher Sunisa Lee. Biles' stunning floor routine Sunday included several astounding flips and jumps but it was her insane triple-double -- two backflips and three twists while in the air -- that wowed judges and fans alike. And that wasn't the reigning Olympic and world all-around champion's only history-making moment of the competition. On Friday, the 22-year old became the first gymnast to attempt and land a double-double dismount off of a high beam. The move involves two twists and two somersaults while dismounting. Biles had attempted the triple-double the same day she landed her double-double but just missed the landing. Now, she's nailed the landing, made history twice, and won her sixth national title all in one weekend. Next, it's onto the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which, Biles said, will be her last. Source

Simone Biles made history more than once this weekend during the US Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Missouri. The five-time Olympic medalist and 14-time world champion became the first woman to ever land a triple-double in competition during her floor routine Sunday night. She also snagged her sixth national all-around title with a score of 118.500, nearly five points ahead of second place finisher Sunisa Lee. Biles' stunning floor routine Sunday included several astounding flips and jumps but it was her insane triple-double -- two backflips and three twists while in the air -- that wowed judges and fans alike. And that wasn't the reigning Olympic and world all-around champion's only history-making moment of the competition. On Friday, the 22-year old became the first gymnast to attempt and land a double-double dismount off of a high beam. The move involves two twists and two somersaults while dismounting. Biles had attempted the triple-double the same day she landed her double-double but just missed the landing. Now, she's nailed the landing, made history twice, and won her sixth national title all in one weekend. Next, it's onto the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which, Biles said, will be her last. Source

The Omu of Anioma, Martha Dunkwu, is a revered traditional ruler of Anioma land, which covers nine local government areas in Delta State. Anioma people are the Igbo located in Delta, who are separated from the Igbo in the South-East by the River Niger. Dunkwu tells OCHEI MATTHEW about the historical background of the Omu, its spirituality and others What has been the most interesting part of being the monarch? The most interesting part is the fact that the throne is indigenous to Anioma people. The two titles of Omu: Omu queen mother and Eze Nwayi (queen). Our forefathers’ intention was for the Omu to be a queen in charge of women. So, you find out that when I go all over the country, people look at me as if I’m a TV screen or movie star because they had not seen such before. Our former governor, Chief James Ibori, wrote me a goodwill message when I celebrated my 50th birthday, 14 years ago. He said I brought feasibility to this ancient institution. As a media person, I brought that to this institution. So, it has been interesting going all over the world because they didn’t know there is a part of Africa where their forefathers had decided 700 years ago that a woman must occupy this throne and play her part for the community to move forward. So sometimes at events, I’m the only female at a setting dominated by men. What were you doing before you became the Omu? I was a media practitioner. I studied in England, the United States of America and returned 35 years ago. I was a media consultant for the late Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, of blessed memory and the late Orodje of Okpe. At some point, I consulted for the Asagba of Asaba and about seven traditional rulers. I was in the consultancy business but when I became the Deputy Omu, I decided that the best thing was to start working for traditional rulers. I was Deputy Omu for three years and became substantive Omu for 17 years, so I have done the work of Omu for 20 years now. How much do you miss your old life? No, I don’t miss my old life at all. I must confess that what I am doing is the physical manifestation of spiritual conclusion. So, once God has decided on a matter, you cannot miss anything because that’s the intention of God. How did you feel when you got to know that you would become the traditional ruler? Well, initially I was apprehensive because in the past, Omus were women in their early 80s and 90s and as you are aware, Omu doesn’t get married. And if you are married, once you become Omu, you must leave your marital home. However, I was not married so I didn’t have any issue with having to leave my husband. I wasn’t quite sure of how I would handle it but when I was convinced that it was the intention of God, I took it upon myself to do the right thing and I will continue to do to the right thing. How has your life as a female monarch been? Rosy…(laughs). Well, it’s challenging when you cannot marry, go into a relationship or attend a burial. There are so many things you cannot do as Omu. However, the work of Omu is 70 per cent spiritual, so I have to keep praying. I also have chiefs attached to my palace. There are spiritual and executive chiefs in the palace. What experience do you think you have had that you think came as a result of your being a queen? I am grateful to God and I remain grateful to the late Oba of Benin Kingdom. I learnt a lot from him. The Omu institution is very conservative and ancient. It is a dictatorship in the sense that no woman was consulted when few old wise men instituted the Omu institution. When many people see me and find out about the institution, they marvel. The challenges I have are even from our people. So what have been your biggest challenges since you became the monarch? One, I have tried to fuse the good of the old times with the good of the new period to have something brand new. I don’t have any challenge from the people of the North, West, South-East or Deltans. If there are any challenges I am facing, they are from my people and not necessarily from Anioma people. They are from my own home – Okpanam – and of course, it is understandable because even the best among us are despised in their homes. Anioma people own this institution; it is not a personal institution. So, one would not call what I experience as challenges in that sense. Even in Okpanam, the institution is for our forefathers and not for any individual. That’s why it is said that the Omu cannot abdicate the throne and people cannot put all manner of things in place to remove the Omu. So, in 700 years, no Omu has abdicated the throne and no Omu has been removed. Source

Get in here GOT fans. What are you looking forward to this season? Sucks that the show is ending!

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