I was persecuted like these LGBTQ+ people – we can’t sit back and do nothing
I was persecuted like these LGBTQ+ people – we can’t sit back and do nothing
A Gay Reverend’s Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights in Nigeria
I was persecuted like these LGBTQ - Jide Macaulay, a gay reverend and long-time advocate for marginalized LGBTQ+ communities in Nigeria, has witnessed firsthand the relentless struggles faced by those who dare to live openly. His life’s work has centered on supporting individuals navigating the intersection of homophobia, poverty, and violence. Macaulay emphasizes that Bel Trew’s documentary *Hunted* is a crucial call to action, exposing the harsh realities of persecution that continue to shape the lives of LGBTQ+ Nigerians. The film, which delves into the experiences of those targeted for their sexuality, underscores the urgent need for global attention and support.
The Human Cost of Intolerance
*Hunted: Kidnapped, blackmailed and tortured for being LGBTQ+* presents a compelling narrative of human resilience against systemic oppression. The documentary captures the lived experiences of individuals who endure threats to their safety, dignity, and livelihoods. For Macaulay, the stories featured are deeply personal. “These are not just statistics,” he says. “They are my friends, bravely fighting injustice in a country where I was forced to flee due to intolerance and the fear of violence.” The film highlights how discrimination and prejudice compound the challenges of accessing essential services, such as healthcare and education.
Stories of Survival and Suffering
Among the most harrowing accounts in the documentary are those of Amed* and Moussa*, two survivors of what is known in Nigeria as “kito” attacks. These targeted assaults often begin with abduction, followed by coercion, extortion, and brutal physical abuse. Victims are frequently manipulated into situations where they face public humiliation or forced conversion. “The trauma is profound,” Macaulay explains. “It’s not just about being beaten—it’s about being dehumanized and stripped of hope.” The film’s portrayal of these incidents reveals a pattern of violence that has persisted for years, often driven by fear of the unknown and deep-rooted stigma.
Riri, a transgender woman and sex worker, embodies the multifaceted challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria. Her journey is marked by rejection from family and community, economic instability, and barriers to healthcare. The documentary highlights how Riri’s struggle to access HIV treatment underscores the broader issue of stigma limiting opportunities for survival. “For many transgender people, healthcare isn’t just a service—it’s a lifeline,” Macaulay notes. “But without support, it becomes a distant dream.” Her story, like others, reflects the intersection of identity, poverty, and violence that defines the lives of many in the community.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
As global humanitarian resources dwindle, the fight against HIV in Nigeria faces unprecedented challenges. Macaulay points to the recent reductions in international aid, particularly the cuts to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding under Donald Trump, as a significant blow to community-led initiatives. These organizations have historically played a vital role in providing care, prevention, and psychosocial support for LGBTQ+ populations. Yet, with shrinking budgets, safe spaces for outreach are disappearing, and access to critical services is becoming increasingly uncertain.
“When funding disappears, the consequences are immediate,” Macaulay warns. “Care is interrupted, medication becomes scarce, and lives are lost.” The documentary serves as a stark reminder of how policy decisions can directly affect the well-being of vulnerable groups. Without sustained investment, the progress made in reducing HIV transmission and improving treatment outcomes could be reversed, leaving countless individuals without the support they need to thrive.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the hardships, *Hunted* also showcases the unwavering determination of LGBTQ+ Nigerians. The film documents not only their suffering but also their courage in standing up for themselves. Macaulay highlights how individuals in the documentary continue to support one another, organize their communities, and push for systemic change. “Their resilience is a beacon of hope,” he says. “It proves that even in the darkest moments, there is a fight for dignity and safety.”
These stories are not isolated but part of a larger movement toward visibility and advocacy. Macaulay urges the global community to recognize that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is inseparable from the fight against HIV. “Supporting these people is not charity—it’s a matter of justice,” he argues. “It’s about protecting lives and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
A Call for Global Solidarity
Macaulay stresses that the international community must act swiftly to address the crisis. Governments, donors, faith groups, and corporations are all called to play a role in amplifying the voices of those affected. “We cannot let fear dictate our actions,” he says. “The world has a responsibility to stand with LGBTQ+ Nigerians and safeguard their rights.”
As the documentary reveals, the stakes are high. With funding cuts and rising violence, the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria is at risk of being forgotten. Yet, their stories—those of Amed, Moussa, Riri, and countless others—remind us that behind every statistic is a life worth fighting for. The film’s power lies not just in its depiction of suffering but in its celebration of resilience, offering a vision of a future where discrimination is challenged and dignity is restored.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
Macaulay concludes with a powerful message: the persecution of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria is not just a local issue but a global one. “We are all connected by the same fight for human rights,” he says. “If we ignore their plight, we risk losing ground in the broader battle against HIV and inequality.” The documentary serves as both a warning and an invitation to action, urging the international community to invest in these communities and protect the progress that has been made. As Macaulay reminds us, “We can’t sit back and do nothing. The time to act is now.”
“We can’t sit back and do nothing.”
In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under threat, *Hunted* stands as a testament to the strength of those who refuse to be silenced. By shedding light on the realities faced by these individuals, the film not only humanizes their struggles but also demands that the global community take notice. The fight for equality and access to healthcare in Nigeria is a fight that requires solidarity, investment, and unwavering commitment. Without it, the stories of Amed, Moussa, Riri, and others will continue to be a reminder of the cost of intolerance and the importance of action.