Queer and Christian in Nigeria: An LGBTQ+ Activist's Story of Contradiction and Courage

In a society where his identity is deemed illegal, Bisi Alimi, the first Nigerian to come out as gay on national television, shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey on our latest podcast episode. From enduring exorcisms believed to 'cure' his homosexuality to the harsh realities of reconciling his Christian faith with his sexuality growing up, Bisi details his path towards acceptance and equality. His stories capture the intense mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, marked by multiple su*cide attempts and societal rejection. Beyond the borders of Nigeria, his move to the UK unfolds new layers of racial prejudices, paralleling his experiences back home.

Episode Topics:

• Exorcisms and Mental Health: Discussing the traumatic experiences of undergoing exorcisms as a misguided attempt to 'cure' homosexuality.

• Historic Media Moments: Recounting the pivotal moment of being the first person to openly come out as gay on Nigerian television, highlighting the fallout and impact it had on his life.

• Survival and Resilience: A frank discussion on multiple suicide attempts spurred by societal rejection and internal conflict, underscoring the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community

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Quotable Moments:

• [14:32] "Each party, each gathering I dared to attend, was another stride toward accepting myself amidst the fear."

• [24:52] "The first exorcism was terrifying. It didn't cure anything; it just deepened my despair."

• [32:38] "Coming out on national TV was my cry for acceptance; it turned my life into a battleground."

• [43:47] "When I arrived in the UK, suddenly I wasn't just gay; I was black and gay, which came with a whole new set of prejudices."

Listen to the full episode here and leave a comment or review letting us know what you think!

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How do you navigate life when your very identity is deemed illegal?How do you navigate life when your very identity is deemed illegal?