Happy Pride Month!


Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, and queer people, like everyone else, will face mental health issues and pain throughout their lives. 

Shreds of evidence have shown that people from these groups have higher rates of common mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. 

Mental health conditions are common among LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria, and they are primarily caused by rejection from friends and family, stigma, community exclusion and isolation.

According to the Federal Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, anyone found guilty of homosexuality risks up to 14 years in jail. The Sharia law, which is practised in 12 northern states of the country, mandates the death punishment by stoning. In addition, the Nigerian government encourages violence against its LGBTQ+ residents through arbitrary arrests and police extortion.

Most Nigerians are hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community, close-minded and refuse to embrace diversity. Most Nigerians continue to see LGBTQ+ as an abomination. Their families and society often pressure gay men and Lesbians to marry someone of the opposite sex leading to an unhappy marriage.

While the rest of the world is celebrating Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria is still striving for acceptance.

Embracing diversity is being open to all individuals, ideas, and points of view. It's about treating others with respect. It's about being open-minded and inquisitive. It also promotes equality and opportunity for all. Every day at Fresh Start Hope, we try to achieve just that. Starting from this year, we are happy to participate in the Pride Month celebration. 


Happy Pride Month!

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