Photo image: Adobe Stock
Nigeria’s leading LGBTIQ+ media advocacy group, NoStrings Development Initiatives has developed a mobile application, Qtalk, for Nigerians in the LGBTQIA community to access legal and medical support to protect themselves from various forms of attacks and human rights violations.
The group led by a Nigerian journalist, Mike Daemon, who is the group's Executive Director, made this known on Saturday, noting that LGBTQIA individuals in Nigeria have turned to social media as a means to establish vital connections with like-minded peers.
The group said it is leveraging technology to improve the lives of gays and lesbians in Nigeria most of whom are abandoned by families and live in the closet due to persecution by law enforcement agencies and homophobes.
It explained that the online world, however, is not without its perils, as it often exposes gays and lesbians to hostility, harassment, entrapment, and homophobic attacks, both in digital spaces and the physical realm.
He said, "In a country where same-sex relationships are criminalized, LGBTQIA individuals grapple with various forms of attacks and human rights violations. Homophobes lurk in online spaces, attempting to harm LGBTQIA individuals by luring them to dangerous locations. Despite these dangers, online platforms remain the primary means for LGBTQIA people in Nigeria to connect with others who share their experiences—a crucial element of their mental health and overall well-being.
"To address these pressing issues, the establishment of virtual safe spaces has become a critical need, with Qtalk emerging as a solution. Qtalk, a social and counseling app exclusively developed by and for the LGBTQIA community in Nigeria, currently serves over 2,000 LGBTQIA Nigerians. It offers them free psychosocial and legal support from qualified lawyers, doctors, and therapists.
"Even more so, Qtalk has evolved into a secure haven where LGBTQIA Nigerians can engage in meaningful conversations and establish healthy relationships.”
The App was originally launched in 2019.
"To me, this is more than just an app or an initiative. This is a dream come true. With the number of successes we have recorded so far since our first launch in 2019, I can freely say that this is truly life-saving. My sincere hope now is that we are able to build on these successes and continue to provide my community with the support that it sure deserves. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to collaborating with people who believe in this dream," he said.
In Nigeria, same-sex relationships are punishable by up to 14 years in prison based on an Act signed by then-President Goodluck Jonathan on January 7, 2014.
Gay marriages and displays of same-sex affection are also outlawed in Nigeria.
Nigeria produces a large number of asylum claims based on sexual orientation.
Despite the existence of the Same-Sex Prohibition Act, there had been reported activities of the LGBTQ community in some parts of Nigeria. Such reports are followed by condemnations and extreme threats from a religious majority.