A preliminary report of research findings is available for download here (pdf, 255kb).

Research looks at how organisations working in the field rate the importance of SOGI stigma as a driver of HIV, what sorts of strategies they develop in this area, and what obstacles they face in developing and implementing effective responses.

Key findings include:

• 87% of organisations said combating SOGI stigma in society at large was a high priority.
• Just 51% of organisations reported taking action to combat SOGI stigma in society at large.
• 72% highlighted restrictive laws as a key obstacle in implementing effective strategies in this area.
• 85% stressed funding constraints as a major limitation.
• 78% of organisations self-assessed their strategies as unsatisfactory.

World Aids Conference 2014

The report will be presented at the MSMGF Pre-Conference to the International AIDS Conference will be held in Melbourne, Australia on July 19 – 20. This year’s theme is: Setting the Pace: Gay Men, MSM, and Transgender People in the Global AIDS Response.

For more information on the World AIDS Conference 2014 see the official website.

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