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.
In a world where online connections can lead to both hope and harm, Chikezie, a 20-year-old gay man, found himself grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Seeking solace and support, he turned to the Qtalk app. His story, marked by pain but also by courage, unfolded in a counseling session that offered a lifeline when he needed it most.
Chikezie’s ordeal began with what seemed like a promising connection. After chatting with someone online, he agreed to meet in person. What should have been a moment of connection turned into a nightmare. Upon arriving at the agreed-upon location, Chikezie was ambushed, stripped naked, and brutally attacked. His assailants beat him with a machete and repeatedly slapped his ears, causing significant hearing loss. They stole his phone and drained his bank account, leaving him not only physically injured but also emotionally shattered. The betrayal and violence left Chikezie in a deep state of depression, struggling to find a way forward.
Desperate for help, Chikezie reached out through Qtalk, where he was connected with a compassionate counselor trained to support individuals navigating trauma and stigma. Their session, conducted through the app’s secure messaging platform, became a turning point for Chikezie. The counselor’s empathetic approach created a safe space for him to share his pain, fears, and feelings of hopelessness.
The session unfolded with Chikezie recounting the harrowing details of the attack. The counselor listened without judgment, validating his emotions and gently guiding him toward processing the trauma. She helped him identify immediate steps to prioritize his safety, including reporting the incident to local authorities and seeking medical attention for his hearing loss. The counselor also connected him with a local NGO that provides free legal and medical support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence. Together, they explored coping strategies to manage his depression, such as journaling and grounding exercises to ease moments of anxiety.
The resolution of the session wasn’t a magical fix — trauma doesn’t vanish in a single conversation — but it was a vital first step. The counselor worked with Chikezie to create a plan for ongoing support, scheduling follow-up sessions on Qtalk and linking him with a peer support group for young queer men. By the end of the session, Chikezie expressed a cautious sense of hope, feeling heard and empowered to take small steps toward healing.
Chikezie’s story highlights the critical role platforms like Qtalk play in providing safe, accessible support for marginalized communities. For many like him, navigating a world that can be hostile to their identities is a daily challenge, and compassionate counseling can make all the difference. While the road to recovery remains long, Chikezie’s courage in seeking help and the counselor’s dedication as a counselor shine as beacons of hope in the face of adversity.
Source: African Human Rights Media Network member Erasing 76 Crimes.
To support the Qtalk project financially, click HERE.
COMMENTS