For many people around the world, Pride Month is synonymous with parades, parties and rainbow flags. But for queer Nigerians, Pride often takes on quieter, more personal meanings. In a country where being openly queer can come with significant risks, celebration isn’t always loud or public. Sometimes, it’s finding joy in community, embracing self-expression, or simply supporting other queer people.
To mark Pride Month, we asked queer Nigerians how they’re celebrating Pride 2026. Here’s what they said.
“I’m sending money to everyone” — Fisayo*, 29, F, Lesbian
I love Pride month, and I’m celebrating by giving my queer siblings money. Especially my girls. I don’t have a lot, but I’ve set aside a small amount to support queer fundraising initiatives and a few queer creatives whose work I admire. Supporting my people materially, especially in these hard times, is very close to my heart.
“ I’m watching queer films” — Aisha*, 22, F, Pansexual
I’m celebrating by watching at least four queer movies each week for the entire month. Also, my friends have had enough of me being cooped up indoors, so I’m trying out a rave and a speed dating event to keep my body moving.
“I’m being intentional about my happiness” — Michael*, 25, M, Gay
This month, I’m intentionally chasing joy. I’m planning beach trips, karaoke nights and movie marathons with friends. I want to create memories that aren’t centred on surviving Nigeria and its wahala. I do that all year, now it’s time to nurture my connections. That’s my celebration.
“I’m dressing up for Pride” — Jay*, 24, NB, Queer
All month, I’m dressing exactly how I want. It’s not exactly safe where I live, and so I have the habit of wearing clothes that help me disappear into the background. Now, I’m experimenting with fashion and bright colours. I’m celebrating my queerness this month by daring to be visible.
“I’m volunteering” — Chinonso*, 28, M, Gay
I’m volunteering all month long! I’m volunteering my services to the community at queer events, outreaches and interventions. Nigerian queer people need as much support as they can get. Sometimes it’s hard to get help as a queer person because we live in a homophobic country, and life gets in the way. If I can make even one person feel less alone this month with my assistance, I will feel fulfilled.
“I’m deepening my connections to my faith” — Aisha*, 24, F, Lesbian
I’m trying to reconnect with my faith this pride. I know a lot of queer people leave religion because of how it has treated us, but my faith is a huge part of my life. Being able to hold my queerness and my faith at once will be a transformative experience for me.
“I want to make moe queer friends” — Nna*, 24, M, Bisexual
I’m going to be intentional about making more queer friends. I currently have a few, but I want to increase that number. This Pride month, I’ve challenged myself to attend community events and actually talk to people instead of lurking in the background. My goal is to leave June with a few more genuine queer friendships.
“I’m reading only queer authors” — Susan*, 30, F, Lesbian
To celebrate Pride, I’m reading only queer books and authors this month. I love to read, and this is the month where I really dig my roots into enjoying queer literature. I especially love romance novels, so I’m excited to enjoy all the wlw romance stories I can get my hands on.
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“I’m following my girlfriend everywhere” — Tega*, 27, F, Pansexual
I’m super-glueing myself to my girlfriend. This is the first Pride month with a partner, and I just want to spend my time celebrating our love and being as gay as possible. Everywhere she goes, I’m going to be on her arm, showing all my teeth because I’m so happy.
“I’m loving the life I live now” — Elizabeth*, 30, F, Lesbian
For most of my life, I believed I’d end up in a marriage that didn’t reflect who I was. I moved to Europe last year, and that fear has disappeared. Now I’m in a healthy relationship with a woman I love, and that still feels surreal. This Pride month, we’re taking a short trip together and making new memories. Being able to love openly, even in small ways, feels like a gift.
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