LGBTI persons in Nigeria can now access two computer-equipped libraries in Lagos, thanks to The Initiatives for Equal Rights (TIERs), a Nigerian LGBTI+ human rights organization.
By Mike Daemon
The interior of one of the libraries. Photo courtesy: TIERs Instagram
Access to the libraries is free. They are at TIERs’ two community centers in Lagos, located at 1B, Godson Ilodianya Close, Off Ayo Babatunde Crescent, by Akiogun road, Oniru, Lekki and 10A, Gbagba Crescent, off Oyemekun Bus Stop, College Road, Ogba.
Commissioning ceremony for the library. Photo courtesy: TIERs Instagram
The libraries provide an opportunity for members of the LGBTI community to read, study, discuss and generally to socialize in a safe space, TIERs said.
The physical libraries house over a hundred titles spanning genres such as historical fiction and non-fiction, biographies and autobiographies, fantasy, romance, religion, self-help, science fiction, politics and social sciences, poetry and educational titles.
Inside view of one of the libraries. Photo credits: TIERs Instagram.
In addition, the libraries are equipped with computers that provide free internet access for registered users, including access to LGBTQ+ journals, movies, documentaries, reports and e-books. Visiting users can make use of these materials for free within the facility.
Both libraries are open to the public 9 am – 5 pm on weekdays. The Lekki Library is open 12 pm – 5 pm on weekends.
COMMENTS
It is so wonderful to hear about these libraries. I just wish I could help, but I am not in a position to do that right now. However, I would like to recommend two wonderful and educational books that would be very informative for gay Africans.
BOY WIVES AND FEMALE HUSBANDS: STUDIES OF AFRICAN HOMOSEXUALITIES Edited by Stephen O. Murray and Will Roscoe
BORN TO BE GAY: A HISTORY OF HOMOSEXUALITY by William Naphy
Great good luck.