At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we believe that healthcare is a human right. As part of our mission, we provide critical funding to partners in countries with some of the most harsh laws affecting LGBTQ+ individuals to ensure people living with and at risk of HIV can access the lifesaving care, support and services they need.
In Nigeria, repressive laws criminalizing same-sex relationships and transgender identities prevent LGBTQ+ people from living as their authentic selves. These laws drive stigma and expose the community to harassment, violence, and even human rights abuses.
How ISHRAI is advancing and protecting LGBTQ+ rights
The Improved Sexual Health and Rights Advocacy Initiative (ISHRAI), a partner of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, is a not-for-profit, LGBTQ+-led organization that works for the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of LGBTQ+ persons in Nigeria. Through advocacy, research, safe shelters, sexual and reproductive health services, and mental health support, ISHRAI provides a lifeline for a community that faces ongoing violence and marginalization.
Jones is ISHRAI’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer, and has been steadfast in the fight against repression. Much of his work is geared toward championing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ Nigerians.
LGBTQ+ Nigerians face a challenging reality and must confront deep-rooted stigma, coupled with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Jones’ personal experiences mirror what many in his community face every day: hiding their identity, living in fear of "kito" schemes that lead to blackmail, extortion, and violence, and fighting against the mental load caused by living a double life.
Imagine having to create a facade to not get hurt. It affects one’s psyche on such a deeper level.
Jones, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer at ISHRAITransforming media narratives around LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria
Funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation has been instrumental in ISHRAI's work. “With support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we’ve contributed to media advocacy, built leadership capacity for LGBTQ+ organizations, and engaged allies like law enforcement agents,” Jones explains. Through our partnership, ISHRAI is able to address critical issues such as human rights violations and gender-based violence, while amplifying the voices of those affected.
One of ISHRAI's key initiatives involves engaging with the media to challenge harmful stereotypes and reshape narratives about LGBTQ+ people. “The media has a way of shaping how society interacts with the community,” Jones notes. Through training sessions, journalists have gained a better understanding of the complexities of LGBTQ+ lives.
Many participants had homophobic or ignorant views prior to our engagement. After the training, they learned to look for nuance in stories about human rights violations.
Jones, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer at ISHRAIThe future of LGBTQ+ equality in Nigeria
Despite these challenging realities, Jones remains hopeful about the future. He has witnessed a shift in societal attitudes and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ issues in Nigeria. “People are now more comfortable talking about LGBTQ+ topics. There’s growing support for the community in terms of funding, advocacy, and partnerships.”
Jones envisions a future where LGBTQ+ individuals can live authentically without fear.
I look forward to a time when being LGBTQ+ isn’t something to hide. When members of my community can enjoy the same rights as everyone else, including legal marriage and family life.
Jones, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer at ISHRAIISHRAI's work continues to be a lifeline for many. “Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do,” Jones concludes, expressing gratitude for the impact our partnership has had on advancing equality in Nigeria.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has committed $25 million in funding to LGBTQ+-focused programs like this in Nigeria, to help ensure everyone receives stigma-free testing, treatment, and care.
