Harry Itie’s ‘Defiance: Voices of a New Generation’ documentary spotlights the Nigerian LGBTQ+ community

LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transsexual) Nigerians have either been used as comedic fodder or as an indication of moral decadence in our society, or sometimes even both in the past.

This narrative has begun to change.

The LGBTQ community are letting Nigerians know that LGBTQ people are people too. They’ve taken over the task of shaping their public image and identity. They are doing so through movies, documentaries, vlogs, literary works… basically taking up space unapologetically.

Harry Itie touched by the stories of some LGBTQ Nigerians and creatives, made a documentary about them. “Defiance” explores the lives of young queer individuals who are not just out and visible but are vocal in the fight for equality in Nigeria. It also explores the laws in Nigeria and how they affect the personal lives of LGBT+ people in the country.

Directed by Harry Itie, it features interviews with Matthew Blaise, Amara the Lesbian, Vincent Desmond and Mariam Sule.

Harry has this to say about the  documentary

This documentary explores the lives of these young queer individuals who are not just out and visible but are vocal in the fight for equality in Nigeria. It also explores the laws in Nigeria and how they affect the personal lives of LGBT+ people in the country.

So this is for Desmond, Mariam, Matthew and Amara – for living and loving boldly and sharing your experiences with us. For Nelson, Timinepre, Alex and Emmanuel – for sharing their wealth of knowledge and for constantly putting in the work.

This is for Bolu, Roi, Kayode, Ibrahim, Eni, Dika, Olu, Demola and all the young writers documenting our history as we go along. Thank you for your voices. We won’t forget.

And for all the young people raising their voices online and offline, we are proud of you.
Thank you for all that you do. Your voices are making a difference.

Love, Harry.

“Defiance” is produced by The Rustin Times in collaboration with Love Matters Naija.