Sex Panics: Queer (Counter)publics, Networking, and Sociality in Nigeria

Previous studies on same-sex attractions and sexualities in general have explored various dimensions and the social and psychological implications of its existence in societies where they are rejected or accepted. While existing studies have addressed these phenomena in the broader context, this research focuses specifically on Nigeria. Recent investigations indicate that same-sex attraction is vehemently rejected in Nigerian society, both in physical and online spaces, reinforced by the enactment of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA 2014) and prevalent homophobia. This implies that queer Nigerians put in efforts to ensure networking and sociality amidst these impediments. The current study examines the presence of queer Nigerians and the visibility of their sexualities as sex panic in Nigeria. It also examines the formation of queer publics and counterpublics in the country, and shedding light on the ways queer Nigerians navigate societal constraints through traditional and geosocial networking options.