A 27 years old man, Okolo Paul Chukwugaekwu, who recently came out as homosexuals has shared his story of being persecuted, maltreatment, and constantly abuse since he admitted to being homosexual.
In an emotional account, Paul Okolo expressed the hardship faced by people like him, stating, that "People like me are not given the platform to express ourselves differently, but today, I stand before you to share my current struggles and challenges."
Paul claim that the revelation of his true identity to his family was noticed back then when he was still in secondary school and that made his parents to disowned him. Friends and family members who was also informed about his identity disassociate themselves from him.
He went on to say that the situation has only worsened since then. He recounted several distressing incidents, recounting that there has been incidents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons been maltreated around the country and fear of being victimized.
These horrifying events highlight the growing danger faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking further, he said, "I was part of those who attended a gays wedding ceremony at Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 15th, June 2023, but I was lucky not to have been arrested because as at the time security operatives came to arrest those who attended the wedding, I stepped out to get something for my friend Kelly Onoriode who was at the party.
"I am currently reliable informed that security operatives arrested over 22 persons and they are currently looking for me and two other of my friends Okpara Michael and Okoye Uchenna who left the party early. One of the reasons why I travel to Abuja, is to hide away from security agents. I can't go out, neither can I move about freely, because security agents are looking for me, I am suppose to attend a gay wedding ceremony on the 29th of August in Delta State, but I will not attend because if I do, I am afraid that security operatives will get hold of me over there, since I have been declared wanted.
My gays friends that attended that party have all been sent to prison, because in 2014 the anti gay law was passed and people that are homosexuals are been arrested and paraded by security operatives.
Addressing the misconceptions about homosexuality, Paul said, "We are not confused, we simply have the amazing capacity to love and be emotionally and sexually attracted to both same and other genders."
He emphasized that sexual orientation is natural and diverse, just like heterosexuality. Unfortunately, many African societies stigmatize sexual orientation, hindering progress and acceptance. Paul argued that as long as relationships are consensual among adults, sexual orientation does not harm anyone.
Turning to religious justifications for discrimination, Paul criticized those who selectively quote scripture to oppress others. He pointed out the inconsistency in quoting Leviticus 18:22 while ignoring other outdated rules like not eating shrimp or touching the skin of a dead pig. He believes that religion should not carry undue weight in Nigerian and African societies, and that such dogmatic views hinders progress and contribute to it's backwardness.
Furthermore, Paul expressed concerns about the mental health of individuals facing such discrimination, highlighting potential issues like depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and attempts.
He said the fear of being persecuted have forced him to consider leaving Nigeria to another country for his safety, appealing that the alarming reality of violence and persecution against individuals based on their sexual orientation demands attention and action.
Okolo Paul Chukwugaekwu said he hopes that his brave testimony will sheds light on the urgent need for societal acceptance, understanding, and protection of the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria and beyond.