Health of LGBT People in Nigeria Exploring the Intersectionality of Culture, Religion and Laws

Abstract

Multiple forms of discrimination creates a system of oppression that adversely affects the lifeexperiences of the burden bearers. Multiple group identities exposes individuals to social oppressionand exclusion at different levels. The interaction and overlapping of systemic injustice at multiple levelscreates a hostile environment that becomes a psychological stressor. Marginalised social identities canseek redress under the law but for criminalised identities this is not an option. Such laws therefore createa platform that justifies and reinforces the social oppression. The Nigerian law that criminalises LGBTidentity as well as ‘people who support them’ effectively targets family members, friends and colleaguesof people who are suspected to be/identifies as LGBT people. These people are therefore at risk of socialexclusion and regarded as criminals by association. By criminalising family members and friends this lawrobs LGBT people of social support and introduces multiple layers of discrimination and oppressionagainst LGBT people in Nigeria. This is partly responsible for shaping the expression of other forms ofsocial oppression experienced by LGBT people in Nigeria.