As the #EndSARS/#EndSWAT movement continues to grow across Nigeria, one video in particular has gained massive attention. In it, a young Nigerian LGBTQ+ rights advocate named Matthew Blaise marched down the streets alongside other protestors and shouted “queer lives matter!”
Yell it in your streets. We get killed for being queer. It’s crazy pic.twitter.com/KIGaaGbKk7
— Son of the Rainbow AKA LGBTQ+ CLASS CAPTAIN ️ (@Blaise_21) October 10, 2020
The video has received more than 3 million views, bringing attention to the specific violence queer people in Nigeria face at the hands of police violence. In that country, it is common for people to be profiled, harassed, beaten and even outed simply for being perceived as queer in public. The circulation of the video has opened up larger discussions of homophobia and queer violence within the country beyond the now-defunct SARS.
While many replies have praised Blaise for the bravery they displayed at being openly queer and potentially opening himself to violence in the process, others have condemned them for what they believe detracts focus from a larger mission to the end SARS/SWAT movement. Amongst the replies and controversy the video caused, Blaise linked other tweets in which they recount personal instances experiencing police brutality because he was perceived as queer.
When I say I had to say a prayer for him so he isn’t harmed by anyone or thing . I’m a straight Caribbean woman and the injustices LGBTQ face in some countries are just crazy . Please Protect Him at all costs . This bravery is scary , beautiful and commendable QUEER LIVES MATTER
— ❣️ (@GoodUpBodyGyal) October 11, 2020
Blaise has addressed the video and explained they posted it in order to “let Nigerians know the different levels of oppression and the special flavor of it they are largely apathetic to, that queer people are subjected to.” They’ve also said they are less interested in how the video is being perceived or opposed by cis-straight Nigerian protestors. They explained that the now successful protests are a revolutionary turning point for the nation, and within a revolution they believe it is pointless to center the oppressor.
The video has continued to circulate through social media platforms even after the Nigerian government has announced the disbanding of SARS. Blaise hopes this exposure isn’t in vain and that queer advocates and allies worldwide will begin pressuring the Nigerian government to decriminalize queerness. Many of us who are able to live openly with reduced risks of systemic violence should focus on extending our queer solidarity beyond borders. Specially in countries where the yelling “Queer Lives Matter” in public is an act of unmeasurable bravery.
