Voguing With Resilience: Lagos State’ Trans/Queer Powerhouses
Written by: Reyna from The Hype Squad.
Ain’t no party like a Lagos party, and you know what, no one throws fun parties like queer people. Seriously. Whatever clubs you’ve gone to or events you’ve hosted pale in comparison to a Vibrant Ball where Celebration, liberation, and uninhibited fun are core values of the community. A community that takes the art of ‘living’ very seriously. Yet,
if you only heard about trans people through the news, you’d have an entirely different picture. While many Nigerians might not know it by name, most recognize its infamous 14-year sentence, the ‘Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act’
(SSMPA) passed in Nigeria in 2014. Beyond banning same-sex marriage, the law also criminalizes public displays of affection, the registration of LGBTQ+ organizations, and advocacy for queer rights. For a society already steeped in homophobia, this law became a tool for discrimination. The police cracked down on the community, arresting people on mere suspicion. Queer men bore the brunt of this persecution, but the entire LGBTQ+ community was forced into deepersecrecy.
In 2022, a proposed bill sought to criminalize crossdressing, effectively making trans identity illegal. However, the legal status of trans people in Nigeria has never been the true issue; it's how much their existence challenges the rigid, hyper-religious social order.
In 2022, a proposed bill sought to criminalize crossdressing, effectively making trans identity illegal. However, the legal status of trans people in Nigeria has never been the true issue; it's how much their existence challenges the rigid, hyper-religious social order.
Visibility vs. Survival
Many Nigerians don’t believe trans people exist in the country. Some dismiss it as a Western invention, while others see it as attention-seeking behavior. Despite this, trans people have always been here, some living in secrecy to survive. Even those who gain public recognition, like crossdressers Bobrisky and James Brown, are often reduced to comic relief rather than acknowledged as trans individuals. Bobrisky, despite asserting her identity, is still referred to with male pronouns. Public tolerance exists only as long as they entertain. The moment they assert their identity beyond performance, they are met with hostility and vitriol. But, trans joy exists, even in Lagos, Nigeria. This is why we always associate the trans community with resilience- if they can thrive and exist in Nigeria of all places, they can thrive anywhere.
Finding Strength in Community
In a country where hate crimes against queer people aren’t considered crimes, community is essential. Trans people in Nigeria have built safe spaces, both online and offline, where they can exist without fear. While “kito” (the practice of luring and blackmailing queer people) remains a significant threat, the resilience of the trans community continues to thrive in defiance of the odds.
Fola Francis: A Pioneer and a Legacy
No conversation about trans resilience in Lagos is complete without mentioning the late, great Fola Francis. Through her fearless way of living, she became the face of the trans community in Nigeria. Her TikTok series, A Day in the Life of a Trans Woman in Nigeria, proved that life was possible for trans people, even in such a hostile environment. She showed that simply existing was enough. Fola was not just a content creator—she was an activist, a model, and a trailblazer. In 2022, she made history as the first trans woman to walk the Lagos Fashion Week runway. When the organizers refused to feature her on their social media, she launched her own gender-neutral fashion brand. Despite institutional push back, her impact could not be erased.
Most importantly, Fola was a pillar of the queer community in Lagos. From hosting retreats to founding Dolls Activities, a social club for trans and nonbinary people, she prioritized building real-world connections in a society that often forces queer people into isolation. Our recent creator spotlight star 'Liber' , a trans-femme in Lagos, Nigeria,
has gone on to continue this legacy with fellow trans-femme beauties and community members, by showing up proudly and proving that Trans people are beyond limitations. Without a doubt, they carry a special force in our creative industry, moving with resilience, confidence and unwavering solidarity. We stand with them as they boldly celebrate
their queerness, defying every adversity with grace and power.
The Ballroom Scene: A Safe Haven
One of the most significant cultural spaces for trans and queer people in Lagos is the underground ballroom scene. Inspired by the American ballroom culture that dates back to the 1800s, these events offer a space for self-expression free from societal constraints. Despite the risks, police raids, cis-het infiltration, and more, Nigerian ballroom culture has persisted for decades. Watching trans people let loose at a ball is an act of liberation. Drag queens and kings take the stage, the energy is electric, and the runway is a celebration of authenticity. These gatherings embody the strength of the trans community, not just in survival but in joy. Support Networks & Community Initiatives Beyond ballroom culture, trans people in Nigeria have created support systems to meet the needs of their community. Some key initiatives include:
● Pride in Lagos – An organization committed to LGBTQ+ advocacyand celebration in the city.
A Final Message from The Hype Squad
If you are a trans/queer person in Lagos, know this: you are not alone. Your community is waiting for you with open arms. Because where two or three queer people are gathered, there is always love. Here’s how you can support trans resilience in Lagos:
https://www.them.us/story/fola-francis-legendary-nigeria