Homophobic Nigerian man shares why he can’t stand gay people

A real interview with a homophobic Nigerian man.

The first version of this article appeared with the interviwee’s identity. However, this consent was later revoked following people’s reactions to the article. We have subsequently anonymized the interview with the interviewee’s identity and social details removed.

LGBTQ+ Nigerians face severe hardship, ranging from public condemnation to stigma, and extreme forms of violence. Nigeria is popular for its widespread homophobia with many surveys indicating that a majority of Nigerians hold negative views toward LGBTQ+ individuals, with many believing that homosexuality is wrong or should remain illegal. LGBTQ+ people are often perceived as a threat to cultural and family values.

Constant discrimination and fear of violence create high rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among LGBTQ+ Nigerians, including closeted gay men. For some homophobic Nigerians, hating queer people makes them feel better about their own insecurities; for others, it’s a facade to hide from being identified as gay.

A 2020 Pew study reveals a staggering 93% disapproval of homosexuality in Nigeria. Being gay in Nigeria not only makes one a target of social stigma or violence but is also a criminal offence, punishable by law. Specifically, the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (2014) – widely criticized by global advocacy groups – stipulates a 14-year prison term for those convicted of same-sex relationships. In some Northern Nigerian states enforcing Sharia law, the penalty can be as severe as death by stoning. 

DNB Stories Africa spoke with an openly homophobic Nigerian man to understand what drives the hatred towards gay people in Nigeria. He shares with us why he can’t stand gay men and how he would react if he discovered a close friend or loved one was homosexual.

Meet Ucheobi (not real name), a 24-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur, freelancer, and songwriter. He prefers to be identified as “407” which he tells us is his stage name. Ucheobi is openly homophobic, and he asserts that “there’s no sitting under the fence – you either hate it or you support it”. He even said he would choose a wife-beater over openly gay individuals.

Ucheobi claims a “bad experience” from his past played a part in provoking his homophobic views

According to Ucheobi, he was exposed to gay activities in his teenage years while attending a boarding school in Nigeria, which he found unsettling.

In his words:

“I attended an all-boys secondary school in Abia State. We spent most of our time in school without experiencing female interactions. As we began having sexual urges as teenagers, most of the students explored sex with their fellow boys.”

However, attending an all-boys school where some students practised homosexuality wasn’t a major concern for Ucheobi. His experience took a disturbing turn when older students began making sexual advances toward him.

Ucheobi narrates how his “school father” pressured him to engage in gay sex:

“I had a school father who tried to have sex with me, but I knew it wasn’t right, so I cut him off. He was persistent and even bullied me with the help of other senior boys. The act [gay sex] just didn’t seem right to me. A man is supposed to dominate. I don’t see why a man should bend over and allow himself to be penetrated by another man.”

While Ucheobi was able to fight off the advances, he said that it wasn’t easy for him. He admits to us that at some point, specifically in his last days in secondary school, he had urges to engage in gay romance himself. However, he insists that he never gave in to the urge, and would instead wake up in the middle of the night to pray against it.

Uche describes homosexuality as “a disease” driven by demonic possession and mental disorder. He agrees that some people may indeed be born gay, but likens them to “ogbanje” (a term for a child believed to be possessed by an evil spirit in Nigerian folklore). Ucheobi holds the harmful belief that queer people are not normal. While he condemns gay people, he clarifies that his major concern isn’t having same-sex attraction but acting on the urge and promoting it in the media.

In his words:

“I am not judging the people but the action and the unwillingness to change. I also want to point out that you cannot be sitting on the fence in the name of being an ally. It’s either heterosexuality for God’s sake or homo and bisexuality for the world and devil’s sake.”

He went on to say:

“I’m not saying we should burn homosexuals, no. The problem I have with them is that they’re trying to push it, and the fact that this generation is even normalizing it. It’s not natural; it’s propaganda the Western world is using to reduce the human population and weaken alpha males.”

Ucheobi holds deep resentment towards gay men, which doesn’t originate from just his secondary school days. He shared that he has lost job opportunities and a chance to compete in the Mr. Nigeria pageant because he refused to have sex with men. Ucheobi’s claims come amid recent allegations made by Gistlover and Daddy Freeze that some top celebrities in Nigeria coerce young men into sex in exchange for fame.

Ucheobi’s stance on violence against LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria

When DNB Stories Africa inquired about Ucheobi’s stance on violence against LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, his response seemed to justify the harm.

He said bluntly:

“Free will is what allows them to be gay or cross-dressers; free will is also why people do jungle justice. I hope you’re getting the picture I’m trying to paint. I read about the case of Area Mama on your page; may his soul rest in peace. But gays should be cautious and know where to flaunt that madness. Their frowned-upon lifestyle will always attract savages who could violate them. Some may say my point is inconsiderate, but I beg to differ…”

Uche continued:

“Queer people should apply common sense where necessary. Take for example Bobrisky dressed like a man when he went to the hood to visit his dad some years ago. Why didn’t he wear his usual feminine outfits? It’s common sense!”

The 24-year-old Nigerian songwriter made it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate gay people, even among loved ones or close friends. He says he would cut off his best friend if he discovered they’re queer and refuse to change. Ucheobi cited Sam Smith as an example, stating he stopped listening to the singer’s music after Smith “began promoting homosexuality“. 

In his words:

“Bad company corrupts good morals. Oil on one finger in time will stain not just the other fingers but the shirt as well. I used to like Sam Smith’s music – I ‘used to’ – because you can’t deny the talent and beautiful music. However, since he went full-blown satanic and perverted in his expression of sexuality, (going naked in videos and shows), I cannot like what I hate.”

Ucheobi believes his dislike for gay people stems from more than just personal experience. He thinks it’s also a combination of two factors: first, his conclusion that homosexual acts are unnatural and contradict God’s will. Secondly, he believes the growing visibility of the LGBTQ+ community is influencing younger generations negatively.

Uche explained:

“It’s propaganda from the Western world. Almost every celebrity is coerced into being an ally or face cancellation for not conforming. When we were younger, we didn’t hear of openly gay celebrities. But with the way they’re flaunting this thing on social media, the next generation will be misled into thinking being gay is normal. The Western world is setting time capsules for a degenerate future society. Almost every Netflix movie now has gay sh*t and lesbianism.”

Ucheobi believes that people can change their sexuality from gay to straight. Drawing from his experience with addiction to masturbation, he insists that a walk with God can change one’s sexual orientation.

He said:

“Deliverance, as per popular opinion, is not the solution at all. A person who actually seeks the face of God will indeed find prayers answered. If you meditate daily on the Word and pray, you’ll be surprised at what that can do.”

He went into details:

“I used to battle with lust in the form of pornography, occasional masturbation, and even addiction to hard drugs. However, I am proud to say they are all in the past now and no longer part of my identity even though I thought it would never happen. God answers prayers! I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Even if the urges persist, I’d advise queer guys to practice abstinence. Bro, as I speak to you I choose to be celibate, despite being straight.”

Uche’s stance on sexuality change seems to align with the findings of Barton and Gilbert (2014) on why religious people are usually more homophobic.

Part of the study read:

“individuals who believe sexual orientation can be changed through prayer or therapy are more likely to hold homophobic attitudes because this mindset creates unrealistic expectations about changing one’s sexual orientation.”

DNB Stories Africa shares Ucheobi’s views to provide insight into the thoughts of a homophobic Nigerian and what drives the hatred. This interview aims to spark thoughtful discussion and understanding, and not to condone or promote discrimination or violence against the LGBTQ+ community which is very awful. We strongly condemn homophobia and all forms of discrimination, violence, and exploitation against gay people.

Ucheobi’s experience of alleged sexual coercion while totally unacceptable and deserving of condemnation however does not provide a real basis for holding homophobic views and propagating hate against a minority group.

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Disclaimer: DNB Stories Africa is an inclusive platform. The opinions expressed in this interview are solely the interviewee’s and do not reflect the views of DNB Stories.