In honour of LGBTQ+ History Month, GAY TIMES explores a handful of locations that spotlight the message of pride, resistance and progress.
The National Theatre
The National Theatre was one of fifteen locations highlighted during Nigeria’s first-ever all-inclusive month-long LGBTQ+ pride month which pays homage to the fearless spirit of Queen Amina of Zauzau (modern-day “Zaria” in Kaduna State, Nigeria), who is arguably an LGBT+ icon of her time.
Queen Amina, born in the sixteenth century, was a fierce female warrior who is still praised today for her leadership. The Oxford Encyclopaedia of Women in World History describes her as ‘a woman as capable as a man that was able to lead men to war’. She was the only woman ruler in nine hundred years of Zauzau history, subverting traditional gender roles.
Out the front of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, is the golden statue of Queen Amina and her horse, the Iconic “Naval Cap”. It stands as a reminder to blur the lines between tradition and defiance.
The Fela Headless Statue
Commonly known as the Liberation statue, which represents a symbol of hope in Nigeria, this monument pays homage to Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela’s spirit was key to the success of the first LGBTQ+ pride protests which continue to inspire LGBTQ+ activists today, drawing strength from his words about shared struggle and oppression.
The Tafawa Balewa Square
Named after Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, the Tafawa Belawa Square was host to Nigeria’s Independence celebration in October 1960. This is a significant date and place in Nigeria’s fight for freedom, but it also stands as a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community, alongside other marginalised groups, have not enjoyed the same independence or freedoms.
Four giant white horses and seven red eagles stand proudly in the square, representing strength and dignity. However, this display, for LGBTQ+ people is a stark reminder that independence wasn’t for all. For many, Independence should have paved the way for the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, however, progress is still to be made as the colonial legacy of intolerance continues across Nigeria.
The Welcome to Lagos: The Agba Meta sculpture
Lagos continues to be the hub of cultural acceptance and social movements in Nigeria. In 2022, the “EndSARS” protests spotlighted the brutality the LGBTQ+ often face. However, to challenge this, Nigerian queer youth activists stood proudly with LGBTQ+ flags and banners, adorned with the slogan #QueerLivesMatter, during the EndSARS protests to break the stigma surrounding the queer community. While this location does not have a historic tie to the LGBTQ+ community, its contemporary relevance as a place of protest continues.