The message of this year's Pride in Lagos theme underscores the importance of inclusivity and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic that sets them apart from others in Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa.
Defining “We All Belong”:
“We All Belong” is a statement that recognizes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their individual differences. It is a call to action to embrace diversity and inclusivity and to reject discrimination and intolerance. At its core, “We All Belong” is a message of unity, community, and acceptance of minority communities in Nigeria.
Why “We All Belong” Matters:
The fight against different discrimination and prejudice experienced particularly by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ in West Africa is still at large. Despite significant progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, there is still a long way to go. LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria continue to face religious harassment, police, and societal violence, and legislative discrimination which has led to continuous disenfranchisement of the queer body, ensuring a sense of isolation, shame, and exclusion. The “We All Belong” message is an essential reminder that everyone is welcome, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
Creating a Sense of Belonging in a Sensitive socio-political Climate:
The role of Lagos in the socio-economic and political atmosphere of West Africa is undeniable, likewise our beloved country’s impact on Africa. As the world experiences a rise in anti-LGBTQI+ legislation in a global economic recession, it is very imperative that we care for our very own community across the board! inviting everybody to the table, building community, amplifying conversations, and building systems.
Are you passionate about telling powerful stories and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities? Do you want to be a part of an exciting and impactful project that celebrates the diverse and vibrant culture of Lagos? If so, we want to hear from you!
The Pride in Lagos 2023 team is looking for talented writers and journalists to collaborate with us on a series of features for Gay Times, one of the world’s leading LGBTQ+ publications. We’re seeking pitches for compelling, thought-provoking pieces that explore the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people in Lagos. And in accordance with the theme of the year: WE ALL BELONG
Each feature should be between 800 and 1,000 words in length and will be compensated at a rate of £200 per piece upon publication. We’re looking for stories that showcase the rich experiences of queer experiences of Lagos.
If you’re interested in working with us on this exciting project, please send us your pitch along with a brief bio and writing samples to info@queercitypodcast.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!
The message of this year’s Pride in Lagos theme underscores the importance of inclusivity and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic that sets them apart from others in Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa. Defining “We All Belong”: “We All Belong” is a statement that recognizes that…
We are thrilled to announce that Pride Lagos 2023 will be taking place from June 12th to June 18th, 2023! This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever before, as we come together to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion. Pride Lagos is an annual event that brings together members and allies of…
Lagos, Nigeria/ West Africa – Thursday, June 02, 2022 Queercity Media and Productions – The parent organization of the renowned Queercity Podcast and Pride in Lagos, West Africa’s destination pride event has announced the official lineup for our 2022 Pride in Lagos Festival, “Pride In Lagos” slated for June 20th to 26th 2022 is a Hybrid event. Pride…
We are thrilled to announce that Pride Lagos 2023 will be taking place from June 12th to June 18th, 2023! This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever before, as we come together to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion.
Pride Lagos is an annual event that brings together members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate our identities and promote acceptance and understanding. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone can be their authentic selves, without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
This year’s festivities will include a range of events, including a ball, live music performances, art exhibitions, poster challenge, and much more. We are also excited to announce that we will be partnering with local organizations and businesses to bring you a diverse and engaging program of activities.
So mark your calendars and get ready to show your pride! Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, we welcome you to join us in this celebration of love, unity, and acceptance. Stay tuned for more details and announcements, and don’t forget to spread the word to your friends and family.
Are you passionate about telling powerful stories and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities? Do you want to be a part of an exciting and impactful project that celebrates the diverse and vibrant culture of Lagos? If so, we want to hear from you! The Pride in Lagos 2023 team is looking for talented writers…
Dear Writers/Poets, Please write 1-4 pages about your Queer Resilience in the past year from June 2021 to April 2022. Such resilience could be your participation in a protest, your love, friendship, your chosen family, your house, your Twitter community, etc. Include your name or your pen name. Label your story as ” ‘Story” or…
Hi Drags Fill out this form and Make a one-minute video answering; Why you are auditioning for Dragherthon, and what it would feel like to be the winner of the first official Drag Competition in West Africa ? Upload it on Instagram using #PrideInLagos#DragherthonAudition before June 01, 2022. Note that: The final stage of this event would…
Lagos, Nigeria/ West Africa – Thursday, June 02, 2022
Queercity Media and Productions – The parent organization of the renowned Queercity Podcast and Pride in Lagos, West Africa’s destination pride event has announced the official lineup for our 2022 Pride in Lagos Festival, “Pride In Lagos” slated for June 20th to 26th 2022 is a Hybrid event. Pride in Lagos is a one-week-long event, originally known as GLOW UP Pride. Pride this year has been themed for the cause of growth and to further our goal as a collective, to continue to reclaim indigenous Queer representation and further societal acceptance for sexual minorities and gender diverse persons in West Africa.
What is Pride when we are trying not to die? Pride is the hands we all hold in unison, for the hope we may live this life through various times, that which runs from Nigeria to Ghana, to Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, etc uplifting LGBT+ persons across West Africa from the economic capital of the region, Lagos, Nigeria. Organizing an event of this size with a tight timeline, scheduling conflicts, an ever-changing and unfavorable socio-political atmosphere, lack of access to funding, Covid-19 Travel protocols, and increased costs has proven to be quite the challenge has indeed been challenging. But we are so excited to finally announce our line-up and festival plans as this event was designed to capture the wholesome Queer African experience in both the mainstream scene and grassroots while celebrating our resilience as a community.
This event brings International businesses, local businesses, NGOs, vendors, creatives, entertainers, and citizens together in a whole new way and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
– O.K.Timileyin ( Organizer Pride in Lagos)
Pride In Lagos is the first of its kind in terms of reach, registrations, impact, and size! We get at numerous numbers of registrations daily; This festival after an overarching theme of “Living Lives of Hope” aimed at celebrating Queer resilience, activism, love, friendship, and movement building, on the west African soils in the past year, our local drag queens, and local non-conforming entertainers, writers, photographers etc. Over 40% of the festival programming are virtual, and the remaining 60% would span from end of the mainland to the islands of Lagos, ending at the open mic/pride party with Lagos own Urban artist! Pride In Lagos is pleased to welcome on its Festival Stage Temmie Ovwasaas the Headlining performer on the 26th of June 2022. while the dance pavilion host various activities like Dragherthon, Pride In Lagos Ball, etc.
“Pride is for everyone!” and Pride in Lagos would further amplify this through various activities tailored to capture the wholesome and chaotic West African LGBT+ experience, the highs and low, fears and joys. We opened our door to partnerships with numerous local and international acts and organizations this year to expand the scope of our program, And Our Pride Grand Marshalls for 2022 are Aja Kween from Rupaul Dragrace, Rupaul Dragrace All Stars, and Legendaray season 3 Nigeria’s very own Bisi Alimi who has appeared on many international television stations, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, CCTV, and outlets like NPR and the Washington Post have profiled him.
Queercity media Board of Directors will implement the same registration and admission requirements for all Pride In Lagos events. Festival attendees will need to show proof of registration and admission and a negative COVID-19 test dated within 72 hours of entrance time for foreigners attending the festival. The festival grounds will have hand sanitizer stations, suggest masks and social distancing whenever possible.
Design by OKTimileyin
This year, we are launching the Pride in Lagos 2022 anthology and report titled; tales of Hope and also Inaugurating the historical Shelle list in Partnership with TheNigerian LGBT+ Museum of Arts, celebrating key and impactful works and representation in the Nigerian LGBT scene, at home and diaspora. Thanks to our headlining media partner Grindr and Fatshionista Brand, and sponsors like the InterPride, Centre for Black Equity, Capitol Ballroom Council, Black Trans Travel org, Area Scatter Pan Africa, and other private individuals who have channeled different resources, Time, Talents and treasures to make Pride In Lagos happen.
For all festival information, entertainment lineup, Panel discussions, accommodations, and more, please visit linktr.ee/prideinlagos
Please write 1-4 pages about your Queer Resilience in the past year from June 2021 to April 2022. Such resilience could be your participation in a protest, your love, friendship, your chosen family, your house, your Twitter community, etc. Include your name or your pen name. Label your story as ” ‘Story” or “Poetry” Example: “Tyler’s Story” Fill out this form and submit your entrybefore June 15th, 2022. We’ll let you know if your submission has been selected or declined by June 18th, 2022.
Note that: This anthology would be Printed and Published in Collaboration with The Nigerian LGBTQ+ Museum of Arts
Theme: Tales of Hope ( An Anthology documenting NON-FICTION indigenous Queer Love/Activism/Friendship/Resilience essays and poetry reflecting the West African queer reality between June 2021 – April 2022 )
Submission Conditions 1. Will Not Accept Multiple Submissions 2. Accepts Unpublished Pieces Only 3. Accepts Simultaneous Submissions
Fill out this form and Make a one-minute video answering; Why you are auditioning for Dragherthon, and what it would feel like to be the winner of the first official Drag Competition in West Africa ? Upload it on Instagram using #PrideInLagos#DragherthonAudition before June 01, 2022.
Note that: The final stage of this event would be physical and you would be required to be in Lagos by the 26th of June, 2022.
Basic Requirements for the competition;
An active Instagram/TikTok account A smartphone A functional wardrobe ( Must Have Categories; Traditional Fit/ Nollywood 90s / Eko4Show Extravaganza) Good access to the internet
Prizes Make Over kits (Sponsor: Beauty by Ten) Gift Bag Cash Prize and a one-year production deal
For enquires, send an email to xela.queercitymedia@gmail.com
Celebrating queerness and uniqueness is our satisfaction. We recognize our struggle for liberation as LGBTQ+ persons in Africa as a continent, and Nigeria as a nation. With much pride and happiness that we celebrate GLOWUP pride 2021, with the theme “Festival of Nigerian Queerness“. A festival of our resilience and taking up enough space for us to all to breathe. No One is Free, Until We All Are.
Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. Our aim as a community media organization is to empower, sustain and document through our voices and strengths, the culture and lifestyle of West African LGBTQ+ persons back into our society to implement social change.
GLOWUP PRIDE 2021, is celebration queerness in our realities, survival, and resistance, putting it out there for the world to see. We would love you to join us as one, to tell stories of our success, be witness of others celebrating life as a queer person in queer light. We also hope to create a system of connection by getting to relate with each other.
We assure you fun filled time well spent with us and every of our guest. Due to the pandemic outbreak, covid-19 still very much out there and also considering the safety of the community , the celebration will be held on other virtual platform such as Instagram, Club houses and Zoom. The celebration was held responsible consecutively on Saturday 26 of June and Sunday 27 June, 2021.
Pride required almost an all year-round planning cycle, working closely with our partners to achieve every feat through this event. We love that they stood in solidarity with what we do at Queercity Media and Productions, most especially with GLOW UP PRIDE.
An actual pride event in Nigeria would have been thought impossible, few years ago, after a tweep mentioned it has a possibility, the Nigerian LGBT community had an uproar and a division, some folx believed it’s a suicidal mission, others felt we can. Suggestions to create a balance like, wearing a mask to protect people’s identity were made. Pride month across the universe is a month that is all about the gays, lesbians and every other identity and expression in the LGBT community. Parades that are usually had in every geographical locations of the world, where being queer is not criminalized are cancelled this year, and thanks to the corona virus, which created the need for new exploration of new ideas.
Glow Up pride 2020 was one of the mediums we sought to explore, a virtual pride. At the beginning of the pandemic, human contacts were the first to be avoided, that is ; self isolation, which caused every form of gathering to be cancelled, every form of basic life interactions were taken digital, and companies like Zoom, Facebook, HouseParty, etc created platforms for people to meet in large numbers virtually, thereby no exposing anyone to the virus. By April we started planning for one of such meetings, since the SSMPA is against physical gathering, we could take our meetings somewhere new, “the Virtual earth”. The two hours event was held on zoom, and we had 9 awesome performances , starting off with Borax, and ending with Gyre. Videos are on our IGTV
QueerCity Media 