LGBTQ+ Nigerians benefit from the support provided by volunteer counselors via the Qtalk app, which is supported by this site and by the St. Paul’s Foundation for International Reconciliation. Download Qtalk from Google Play or the Apple Store. For Qtalk users’ security, they are identified only with pseudonyms.
Kano, Nigeria — On a sweltering afternoon in March 2024, Maureen, a 24-year-old trans woman, sat in pain in her father’s house, nursing fresh bruises from another violent encounter. Her father, a retired soldier and devout Muslim, had never accepted her gender identity. He demanded that she act like a man, enforcing his will through relentless beatings. Worse still, the Hisbah police had also targeted her, subjecting her to torture in an attempt to force her into conformity.
Desperate and overwhelmed, Maureen turned to the Qtalk online app for support. “I can’t take this anymore,” she wrote in her first message. “I don’t even feel like a person anymore. I just want it to stop.”
A Safe Space for Healing
The counselor on the Qtalk platform responded swiftly, offering Maureen a space to express herself without fear. They reassured her that she was not alone and that what she was experiencing was unjust. Throughout their conversation, Maureen shared the pain she had endured—not just the physical scars but also the deep emotional wounds inflicted by years of rejection and abuse.
The counselor introduced coping strategies to help her navigate distress, including grounding techniques, self-care practices, and methods for managing anxiety. More importantly, they helped her explore potential support systems outside of her father’s home. The counselor provided information on organizations that offer assistance to trans individuals, including safe housing options and legal aid.
Finding Strength in Support
As their sessions progressed, Maureen began to see a glimmer of hope. She agreed to seek medical treatment for her injuries through a trusted contact the counselor connected her with. She also reached out to a local community group that provides emergency support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence.
“For the first time in a long while, I feel like I have a way out,” Maureen said. “I still don’t know what comes next, but at least now, I have a chance to make that decision myself.”
The Struggle for Trans Rights in Northern Nigeria
Maureen’s story reflects the harsh reality faced by many trans women in northern Nigeria, where societal and religious pressures often translate into systemic violence. The Hisbah police, enforcing strict interpretations of Islamic law, routinely target gender non-conforming individuals, making life even more precarious for those like Maureen.
Activists continue to push for legal protections and safe spaces for trans individuals, but progress remains slow. Mental health support platforms such as Qtalk are playing a critical role in providing immediate intervention and emotional relief for those at risk.
A Path Forward
While Maureen’s journey is still unfolding, her decision to seek help marks a crucial step in reclaiming her agency. With ongoing support, she now has access to resources that can help her find safety and healing. Her story is a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s trans community and the urgent need for stronger protections against violence and discrimination.
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Read more Qtalk columns on 76crimes.
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