Homophobia in Nigerian schools and universities: Victimization, Mental Health Issues, Resilience of the LGBT Students and support from Straight Allies. A Literature review

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on the schooling experiences and challenges LGBT students face in Nigerian schools and universities, and how heterosexual students, teachers and school administrators view and respond to LGBT issues. Twenty-eight publications which include themes on LGBT experiences in Nigerian schools and universities were reviewed. Findings show that LGBT students experience rejection, bullying, and victimization from parents and siblings at home, and from students, teachers, and school administrators who sometimes expel LGBT students from schools and universities. The study shows internalized homophobia, stress and depression facing LGBT students, their resilience, and the support they receive from a few straight allies among students and lecturers. Findings reveal how Nigerian schools and universities promote compulsory heterosexuality through anti-gay views, disciplinary actions, and rules to discourage homosexuality. Finally, this paper discusses the implication of homophobia in Nigerian schools and universities and how to challenge homophobia regarding Nigeria’s inclusive education goal.

Keywords:

• Allies
• gay straight alliances
• homophobia
• mental health
• resilience
• students LGBT
• safe schools
• victimization

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kehinde Okanlawon

Kehinde Okanlawon, MA, MPH, is a Nigerian sexual health and rights educator, scholar, advocate, activist and social worker. He has worked and/or collaborated with many Nigerian LGBT-rights Organizations such as INCRESE, House of Rainbow, WHER, ICERTH, on different LGBT rights projects such as Sexual diversity and human rights project, Human rights education and counseling, Training of Paralegals, Psychosocial support and counseling for sexual minority women, Positive Living Project for HIV-Positive MSM, among others. He recently carried out a project on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and LGBT inclusion in Nigeria in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya. His work has appeared in several academic journals such as Culture, Health and Sexuality, College Literature, Journal of LGBT Youth, African Journal of Reproductive Health, African Research Review and Forced Migration Review. He is currently a consultant researcher for the university of London's strong in diversity, bold in inclusion research for LGBT persons in Nigeria.