Olumuyiwa Adesina, Nigeria
My name is Olumuyiwa, and I’m a 51-year old bi-sexual man from Nigeria. In Nigeria, the LGBTQ community is not allowed. There’s even a law that if you identify as gay, lesbian, or bi-sexual, you can go to jail so we all keep it secret. Growing up, I didn’t know anything about being bi-sexual because there was a lack of language around that sort of stuff so I always just assumed I was gay. It wasn’t until after high school that I came to understand I was bi-sexual.
When I was a little older, I met a woman who would eventually become my wife and we got married in 2012 and had two children. During our marriage, I continued to also have a male partner in secrecy and was eventually outed in May of 2018. My wife, of course, didn’t know and when she found out she was so upset. I had to go and stay with a friend to protect myself and wait for things to cool down.
I’m fortunate because around the time that I was outed, I was actually planning on going to Brampton for two weeks to visit a friend. When I got here, my wife informed me that the police were after me and that I was facing criminal charges back home because of my sexual orientation. I knew that if I went back, I would have nowhere to go and I’d endanger myself. I disclosed my situation to my friend in Brampton and he encouraged me to speak with a lawyer. I’ve now applied for refugee status and am awaiting my hearing. Since coming to Canada, I’ve gained the confidence to show my face and say my name. I’m coming to feel free and to live my life the way I want to.
PhotoGRAPHED by
Rebecca is a Toronto-based graphic designer passionate about helping organizations create social impact. When she's not creating, you'll find her sketching at the local coffee shop, practicing martial arts or giving tours at the AGO.
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Artist Mentor: Emilia Zibaei