this is the story of eric, a gay nigerian man, who shared a deeply troubling experience of homophobia he endured in nigeria. in an interview with nostrings, eric recounted how a connection made on manjam.com, a social media platform designed to connect gay men, led to a terrifying ordeal.
the online connection
eric described the initial interaction as promising.
"i found him on manjam.com, and we began chatting. after several online conversations, we exchanged numbers and pictures, eventually talking regularly on the phone. he would often call, inquiring about my whereabouts and activities. he seemed genuinely kind and sincere."
at some point, the online connection progressed to an invitation.
"he invited me to visit him, and i accepted. we initially met at a local bar where we talked briefly over drinks. we both decided to go to a hotel.
it was then that the situation took a horrifying turn - it was a trap."
the setup and assault
eric recounts the chilling realization that he had walked into a carefully planned ambush. "upon arriving at the hotel, i was confronted by a group of men.
the man who had invited me simply stood by, seemingly unconcerned."
the situation quickly escalated into a violent assault. "he didn't intervene; he only told them to take it easy as they were hitting, slapping, and beating me. they were taking pictures and recording videos, demanding that i say specific things while looking directly into the camera.
i complied because i feared for my life. i didn't want to be killed."
extortion and fear
the attackers then demanded money. "they demanded a large sum of money, an amount that i knew my mother couldn't afford. she's an elderly woman. they accused me of orchestrating the situation to extort money from her."
eric is currently living in fear, unsure if he can ever return to nigeria safely.
"he hopes to return if things improve in the future."
sharing your story
to hear eric's full account, you can download the nostrings podcast. if you have experienced harassment, assault, or abuse due to your sexual orientation, please do not suffer in silence.
your story matters, and sharing it can help others.
by sharing your experiences, you can shed light on the horrors faced by lgbtiq+ individuals in nigeria.
to share your story, email info@nostringspodcast.com. fridae also offers a platform for gay and lesbian individuals in abuja to connect with each other.
connecting in abuja
if you are located in abuja, fridae can help you connect with other gay and lesbian individuals.
the next person you meet could become a close friend or even someone special. for those visiting or planning a trip to abuja, you'll find the gay and lesbian community to be welcoming and friendly.
start connecting with other gay and lesbian individuals in the abuja area.
explore the profiles below and start building new relationships.
fridae: connecting the community
fridae offers a range of features designed to help you connect with others in the lgbtq+ community. from finding friends to seeking a romantic partner, fridae provides a safe and supportive environment for building relationships.
key features of fridae:
- free to join: creating an account on fridae is completely free.
- easy to use: the platform is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it easy to navigate and find what you're looking for.
- secure environment: fridae prioritizes the safety and security of its users.
- community focused: fridae is built around the idea of connecting and supporting the lgbtq+ community.
joining fridae: a step-by-step guide
- visit the fridae website or download the mobile app.
- click on the "join for free" button.
- fill out the registration form with your basic information.
- create a profile that reflects your personality and interests.
- start browsing profiles and connecting with other members.
why sharing your story matters
eric's story highlights the importance of speaking out against homophobia and violence.
by sharing your experiences, you can help to:
- raise awareness: bring attention to the challenges faced by lgbtq+ individuals.
- promote understanding: help others understand the impact of discrimination and prejudice.
- inspire change: encourage positive changes in attitudes and laws.
- support others: let others know that they are not alone.
resources for lgbtq+ individuals in nigeria
if you are an lgbtq+ individual in nigeria, there are resources available to help you.
some organizations that offer support include:
- nostrings: a podcast that shares stories of lgbtq+ individuals in nigeria and advocates for their rights.
- the initiative for equal rights (tier): a non-profit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of lgbtq+ people in nigeria.
- sexual minorities uganda (smug): an organization that advocates for the rights of lgbtq+ people in uganda and provides support services.
(while based in uganda, they may have resources relevant to the region)
creating a safer environment
creating a safer environment for lgbtq+ individuals in nigeria requires a collective effort. here are some ways you can help:
- educate yourself: learn about lgbtq+ issues and the challenges faced by the community.
- speak out against discrimination: challenge homophobic and transphobic comments and behaviors.
- support lgbtq+ organizations: donate to or volunteer with organizations that are working to advance lgbtq+ rights.
- be an ally: show your support for lgbtq+ individuals by being a visible and vocal ally.
the importance of online communities
online communities like fridae and manjam.com can provide a vital lifeline for lgbtq+ individuals, particularly in countries where they face discrimination and persecution.
these platforms offer:
- a safe space to connect: a place where lgbtq+ individuals can connect with others who understand their experiences.
- access to information: a source of information about lgbtq+ issues, resources, and events.
- a sense of community: a feeling of belonging and support.
however, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with online dating and social networking, particularly in countries where homosexuality is criminalized.
always take precautions to protect your safety and privacy.
protecting your online safety
when using online dating or social networking platforms, it is important to take steps to protect your safety and privacy. here are some tips:
- use a strong password and keep it secret.
- be careful about sharing personal information, such as your address or phone number.
- meet in a public place for your first date.
- tell a friend or family member where you are going and who you are meeting.
- trust your instincts.
if something feels wrong, leave.
moving forward: hope for the future
eric's story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by lgbtq+ individuals in nigeria. however, it is also a testament to the resilience and strength of the community.
by sharing stories like eric's, we can raise awareness, promote understanding, and work towards a future where all lgbtq+ individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
while the path to equality may be long and difficult, there is reason to hope for the future.
by working together, we can create a world where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are able to live freely and authentically.
fridae is committed to connecting gay and lesbian individuals in abuja and around the world.
join for free today and start building new relationships!
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fridae mobile: connect on the go with the fridae mobile app.
fridae perks: enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts as a fridae member.
tell me more: learn more about fridae's mission and values.
more about us: discover the team behind fridae and our commitment to the lgbtq+ community.
latest blog post: stay informed with the latest news and insights on lgbtq+ issues.