TEARS OF FEAR

TEARS OF FEAR!

The oxygen of freedom is no longer available to us as Black Humans/Africans…….. Kayode Gomes

It is a state of emergency for all black people all around the world as the pandemic of racism and our inferiority complex dominated by white supremacy has reached its peak.

“When black folk say “Black Lives Matter,” they are in search of simple recognition. That they are decent human beings, that they aren’t likely to commit crimes, that they’re reasonably smart. That they’re no more evil than the next person, that they’re willing to work hard to get ahead, that they love their kids and want them to do better than they did. That they are loving and kind and compassionate. And that they should be treated with the same respect that the average, nondescript, unexceptional white male routinely receives without fanfare or the expectation of”

― Michael Eric Dyson - Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America

Human lives matter!

Black lives matter!

Humanity is for all!

We are no threat, we are no animals, we are sensitive, we are human, we have dignity and deserve respect as human beings.

The countries and leaders that represent us as black people and African descendants have failed us.

We can not breath! We are oppressed! We are being used! We are being suppressed!

Enough is Enough. Where there is no equality, there is always no Justice and there will be no Peace.

“I think that change happens, typically not because somebody on high decides that it’s going to happen, but rather because at a grassroots level enough people come together that they force the system to change.”.... Barack Obama

It is time to rise up against oppression, it is time to rise up against inequality, it is time to rise up against bad leadership, it is time to seek justice and peace. It is time to unite. 

I speak to all black people and African descends around the world to rise and fight for your right. 

Unity is the key to our liberation…..The time is now!

In memory of George Floyd, others before him and all black people that have been denied the rights to life & justice.

 

Privileges

PRIVILEGES

As we celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we the Coalition for the Defense of Sexual Rights (CDSR) a Nigeria based group share our privileges while we work to create an enabling environment,  defend the rights of sexual minorities, promote human rights and build capacity/self esteem…….




Our stories and realities are different. It might not be possible for all  LGBTQI persons and/or Activists to have access or be exposed to the privileges. The other aspect is our willingness to see opportunities where others see challenges.
Some of our privileges as LGBTQI persons and Activists is personal acceptance and reconciliation of sexuality, identity, spirituality and existence. Privilege to work and socialize in non-toxic environments, privilege of having a strong support system among family, friends and allies, access to support (legal, financial, moral, educational, capacity building and emotional) from the community and the privilege of extending a helping hand to fellow community members in need. We were/are privileged to be raised by parents who allowed us to have a voice and respected our views in an open minded way and gave us the opportunity to explore, experience life and make our own decisions with good guidance. Our education (life skills and academics) is key to our privileges which helped to broaden our world, strengthen our knowledge, develop goals to achieve our vision. Meeting the right people, job opportunities, networks and relevant platforms are great sources of our privileges. Self actualization/acceptance is the key source to privileges and we can not over rule the provision of safe spaces as one of the core sources of our privileges. In recognizing our privileges, we put ourselves in a position to mentor and speak for sexual minorities in whatever capacity we can. It is only together we can demystify the societal perspective of who we are. The ability to succeed is in all of us. What's important is the desire. On rare occasions do privileges fall into people's laps. We must aspire, we must demand, we must push and knock at the corridors of knowledge. Privileges can be available to LGBTQI persons if they practice self-love and acceptance, invest more into researching for opportunities that can aid self-development. It is also important that they network and cultivate healthy relationships.

We are investing our strength and resources in the fight towards equal rights for all, to enable LGBTQI+ persons access to all opportunities and resources that can aid them to self actualize and live a productive life. We have answered the calling to mentor others who are less privileged, prepare them and provide them with opportunities to self determine and self actualize. We are also committed to advocating for a friendly legal and policy environment for the less privileged to thrive and bloom. Giving back is always the right thing to do, which is also a privilege! We amplify our voices for social change, defending the rights of queer people whose rights are being violated by creating awareness and advocating for an inclusive nation. Everyone in a privileged position and with knowledge of equal rights should create more safe spaces and expanding the existing ones, stepping up attempts at creating awareness, improving access to safe spaces, providing basic health counselling and access to community friendly health facilities, regular capacity building and entrepreneurial workshops, and provisions of scholarships and educational support to minorities. We give the less privileged LGBTQI persons the affirmation that being who they are is a strength and not weakness. And We can harness that strength by navigating skillfully and safely within the hostile environment we live in. We have gone to the great beyond, some due to neglect, some due to hate, some due to bigotry, some because they were seen as not being human enough to exist. It could have been you or any other person, that is why on this IDAHOBIT we lend our voice to the many out there who do not have these privileges and say we as activists need to do better with one voice. We will continue to emphasize; LGBTQI persons with vision should remain focused and never give up. There are challenges including life threatening situations, but your perseverance, honesty, willingness to learn and serve will take you to your place of desire in terms of life goals. Never give up on yourself and your strength as a person. Being an LGBTQI does not define you as a person. "Action is the only bridge between wanting it and having it" Keep living, keep dreaming, keep achieving, you are beautiful!

Above all; We are privileged to be alive because God loves us for who we are and bless the works of our hand. As a network that defends the rights of sexual minorities including LGBTQI, we will continue to speak, defend, support and build the capacity of our target group.

“An injustice to one, is an injustice to all” Aluta Continua!!!

Happy IDAHOBIT 2020

My Africa

MY AFRICA !!!

Africa is in Shambles while common citizens of Africa are in Shackles.....

In realization of My Africa, I have come to understand what we actually need as Africans is UNITY....Kayode Gomes

It is an established fact that Africa is the richest continent in the world blessed with resources such as; Oil, Diamonds, Copper, Cobalt, Timber, Gold and Coco amongst others. These are some of the fundamental resources of Africa which sadly has enriched the world except Africa. In fact it has contributed to poverty, underdevelopment and in many cases war and corruption in Africa. But how come a wealthy and great continent like Africa is underdeveloped. Why do other parts of the world see us as inferior, cursed and poor? Despite our wealth, resources, strength and religious lifestyle we still remain unhealthy, insecured and get lots of negativity around the world.

AFRICA! “Wake up from your slumber of 400 years, Free yourself from the mental shackles of slavery and colonization”....Dr Arikana Chiohombori-Quao

Africans need to rise up to realize that we need to come together as one. Our religion, traditions, beliefs, gender, orientation and greed should not get in the way of our development as a continent. The change we need begins from within. We need to rise up against enemies within to fight the outside enemies, we must call for revolution in African Nations, we must call for policy reform, behavioural  change and one Africa.

"All that is needed for a #Revolution is for the oppressed to choose a date they desire for liberty, not subjected to the approval of the oppressor".... Omoyele Sowore

We are better than any race in the world, never let anyone look down on you as an African. The world is built on our wealth and resources. We remain the first humans that existed on planet earth and the world is still surviving today as a result of our existence.

“It is paradoxical that a continent that is so rich continues to wallow in poverty, given her human and natural resources, Africa ought to perform better,”  … Prof Patrick Lumumba

African Nations are yet to be independent, we must free ourself as a continent from the rest of the world especially the colonies in other to achieve our full potentials because we’ve got all it takes.

“My Africa Dream is for a continent that’s prosperous and all-inclusive”….Julius Malema

Do not be misguided, our problems as African continent can only be solved within Africa and by Africans and only achievable if we come together as one with the mindset of sacrifice and unity.

"We must get our freedom or we shall die trying to get our freedom"....Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine)

The time is now.

United we stand, Divided we continue to fall. 

The survival of Africa lies in the unity of Africans.

Africa, rise up to your glory with one voice! one goal! with determination!

AFRICA ARISE!!!