E.E., Nigeria
In Nigeria, they don’t like LGBTQ people. It’s not open like it is here in Canada. If you open up about it, you can get jailed for up to 14 years, or worse, someone might beat you to death.
I realized I was bi-sexual in high school when I saw myself attracted to both women and men but it’s not easy in Nigeria. When meeting other people of the same gender, it’s all done in secrecy.
My first experience in high school with a girl was wonderful. But when I had my first experience with another man, it was terrifying. I was in business school when I met another man who was also studying there. After some time he visited my room. Our time together was great but I remember how scared I was that he would tell someone else.
Later in life I met a woman and we had our traditional wedding in 2007. Together we had two children. But while we were married I still continued to have relationships with two men at different times. Last year in 2018 while I was with my boyfriend, we were caught by neighbours and were both beaten so badly. Word began to spread and the police became aware of what happened and I went into hiding. I was so frightened. I’m so fortunate that I had a Canadian visa in my passport and I decided to come to Toronto where I would be safe. I arrived here in December 2018.
It wasn’t until I arrived in Canada that I told my wife that I was bi-sexual. So much time has passed and she’s still so upset with me. I’m not sure if she’ll forgive me but I hope we can speak again one day. I’m told that there are wanted posters for for me in Nigeria from the police. I’m currently living in a shelter in Toronto and hope to settle down soon. I’ve applied to be a refugee and am awaiting my hearing.
PhotoGRAPHED by
Louis Sham
Louis is an artist who experiments with a variety of mediums including photography. He favours portraits and fashion for his subject matter. He attends OCAD University and has finished his first year in the Illustration program.