Despite recent legal assaults on the possibility of LGBTI rights defence in Nigeria, and a wave of violence against sexual minorities in its wake, various events took place for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia in Nigeria in 2014.

Press release

Activists issued a press statement which affirms the continuous recognition, promotion and protection of LGBTI rights in Nigeria. It also highlighted the violations of rights that LGBTI people in Nigeria face, and stakeholders’ responsibilities towards the protection and promotion of LGBTI rights in Nigeria.

Screening of new Veil Of Silence Documentary

The documentary was produced by local activists and highlights the situation of LGBTI communities in Nigeria. The documentary features true life stories of LGBTI people, together with health and rights experts, and advocates discussing LGBTI rights, and the implications of denial of their rights. (The documentary was shortlisted for the 2014 British Film Institute Festival and was also screened at the festival on 29th and 30th March in Southbank, London.)

The trailer for Veil of Silence can be viewed here:

Veil of Silence Trailer from The Initiative for Equal Rights on Vimeo.

Violence Report

Activists also launched a landmark violence report which documents instances of LGBTI-related violence in Nigeria, especially since the signing of the anti-gay law in Nigeria in 2014. The report will be used in ongoing efforts for the repeal of the law through evidence-based advocacy.

Other events

Various other events connected also with the 2014 global IDAHOT focus on Freedom of Expression, including a book reading, movie screening and talk show.

For more information see:

• The Initiative for Equal Rights: Celebrating IDAHOT with TIERS
• Amsher: Nigeria IDAHO Day Special

A rainbow kite flying event to celebrate gender and sexual diversities, an evening of storytelling and discussion, and actions by the staff of Credit Suisse marked the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014 in Singapore

Kite Flying for Harmony

‘Kite Flying for Harmony 2014′ made for a wonderful and colourful start to the IDAHOT commemorations in Singapore this year. The event took place in Marina Barrage on Saturday, May 17 from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. The organisers, Move Community, explained that the kite flying day was organised to help foster social harmony, friendship and healthy living among LGBTI allies & communities in the country. Under the slogan “Flying Rainbow, Connecting Lives”  participants designed and made their kits, and wrote their ‘harmony statements’ on their kites, with guidance and support from Singapore Kite Association (SKA).

“Flying Rainbow, Connecting Lives” – community activists fly rainbow kites for IDAHOT 2014 in Singapore

Community Book Reading

Later on in the Day, at 7.30PM, at Books Actually, LGBTI communities and allies gathered together for another IDAHOT event – readings of “I will Survive Homophobia” and “Calling It Out – Singapore”, which were organized by Oogachaga.

“I will Survive Homophobia” is a collection of stories that brings together real-life experiences of love, grace, faith, dignity and courage from 21 ordinary gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Singapore who have survived extraordinary circumstances.  Calling it Out, on the other hand, is a campaign against homophobic bullying in schools.

The director of Oogachaga, Leow Yangfa, also honored the Day by expressing his view on homophobia and transphobia through an op-ed that was published by Yahoo Singapore on May 17.

Credit Suisse

The staff of Credit Suisse Singapore also joined the IDAHOT 2014 commemorations, with a series of internal events focused on LGBTI rights around the world and on the 2014 global focus on Freedom of Expression.