Dear Africa,
The argument of homophobia is that the Nigerian
custom and African tradition is not accepting of same –sex affection and does
not has, has never or will ever condone it. But for heaven’s sake, there
is no such thing as ‘the Nigerian custom’ besides the brown uniformed public
servants in charge of exports and imports of goods into Nigeria. Sexuality is
neither a good, container nor vessel. It cannot genuinely be bought or sold by
humans, nor can it be given or taken away.
There is also no such thing as ‘the African
tradition’, because Africa does not have ‘the tradition’ to say that it is
original, only or objective one. What is to say that African loins or hearts
cannot naturally churn same-sex attractions, or non-conforming genitals or
gender expressions?
Africa means us, the beautiful diverse realities
that have the common ground of tolerance, and just tolerance. Beautiful
realities like those of :the Azande people of Sudan whose ancient male warriors
sought the affection of male lovers because the affection of their wives would
neutralise their potency for battle; the Pangue tribe of Cameroun, where
same-sex affection is an ancient tested and trusted charm for wealth creation;
the Zvekumombe practice of teenage Zimbabwean shepherd boys who sought each
others affection in the cold fields beneath the night’s stars; the 2000 year
old painting of two male lovers sitting in the public glare of Zimbabwean
state.
Africa means me, and the several interesting and
diverse possibilities that I may want to explore academically, spiritually,
financially, socially, emotionally, and more fiercely, sexually, when, how and
with whom I may want to explore them.
Africa also means us, the little strands of hair
that can’t make it neatly in the kinky bun. The realities and practices that
are common, wide spread, secret and yet untalked about.
Africa, you know as well I do, that anyone who
justifies homophobia is fiercely ignorant of you. Fortunately, they won't be
for long. Odigonma. In faith, God blessing us, all that was hidden will come to
light. You are rising like the phoenix. You and all the complex, yet beautiful
things you stand for.
I love you still. Crazier by the day.
Warmly,
Nnanna.
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