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.
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
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