Pride Month, observed globally every June, is more than a celebration of queerness, it is a powerful reminder of resistance, community, and ongoing struggles for LGBTQIA+ rights. From the Stonewall uprising in New York in 1969 to grassroots Pride events in Lagos today, the history of Pride is layered, political, and still unfolding.
In this article, we explore the origins of Pride, its global evolution, and how it manifests in Nigeria’s deeply conservative and often hostile socio-political landscape.What Is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an annual observance dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, commemorating queer history, and celebrating the diverse identities within the community. It is widely associated with Pride parades, activism, and visibility campaigns. June was chosen to honour the Stonewall uprising, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history.
The Stonewall Uprising: The Beginning of the Modern Pride Movement
On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Raids were common, but this time, the patrons, many of whom were trans women, drag queens, and queer people of colour, fought back.
The rebellion, which lasted six days, was led by figures such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera and marked the beginning of a new era of queer resistance. The following year, on June 28, 1970, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March was held in New York City, marking the first official Pride march.
The Evolution of Pride Around the World
Following the events at Stonewall, Pride began spreading across the United States and then globally.
- London held its first Pride in 1972.
- Johannesburg, South Africa hosted Africa’s first Pride march in 1990, connecting queer liberation to the anti-apartheid struggle.
- The rainbow flag, designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, became the movement’s most recognizable symbol.
Over the decades, Pride evolved from protest to celebration, but its core remains deeply political, especially in regions where LGBTQ+ people still face criminalization, discrimination, and violence.Pride in Nigeria: Resistance in Hostile Terrain
In Nigeria, homosexuality is criminalised under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) of 2014, which bans same-sex relationships, public displays of affection, and queer organisations. Penalties include up to 14 years in prison. This legal and cultural environment makes public Pride celebrations risky and rare.
Yet, Nigerian queer communities continue to resist invisibility. Activists have found creative ways to honour Pride, often in underground, digital, or private spaces.
Pride in Lagos: A New Era
In 2022, Pride in Lagos made history as one of the first organised and public-facing Pride events in Nigeria. Organised discreetly with high security and community care, the event featured:
- Panel discussions
- Art exhibitions
- A runway and ballroom night
- Queer storytelling and wellness activities
The organisers described it as an act of survival and joy. By 2023, Pride in Lagos had grown significantly, drawing attention from both local media and the global LGBTQIA+ community. Events were themed around visibility, healing, and joy, affirming the right of queer Nigerians to exist and celebrate.
Why Pride Still Matters
Pride remains essential, especially in places like Nigeria, where:
- LGBTQIA+ people face violence, blackmail, and social exclusion
- Legal protections are non-existent
- Access to healthcare, housing, and employment are often denied based on gender identity or sexual orientation
Pride isn’t just about rainbows or parades. It’s a space for healing, connection, and resistance. It is where queer people find community, share joy, and demand the right to be safe and seen.
Global and Local: A Shared Struggle, A Shared Celebration
While Pride in cities like New York, London, or São Paulo may feature grand parades and corporate sponsorships, Pride in places like Nigeria is quieter, but no less powerful. Whether it’s a small gathering in someone’s home, an anonymous support group online, or a secret drag ball in Lagos, Pride in Nigeria is an act of courage.
It reminds us that despite legal and cultural repression, queer Nigerians are present, resilient, and creating spaces of freedom.
From Stonewall in 1969 to Lagos in 2024, Pride is both a history and a living movement. It is a symbol of how far we’ve come and a reminder of how much further we must go. In Nigeria, every step taken toward visibility is a protest, and every moment of joy is a revolution.
As we mark Pride Month, we honour those who stood at Stonewall, those marching in Johannesburg, and those dancing in secret in Lagos.
Because Pride isn’t just global, it’s local, lived, and lasting.
Written By: Victory Wekulom
