Episode 3: Biodun Abudu LGBTQ+ Community in Nigeria and Within African Immigrants Community in America

There are two parts to this episode. Please listen to both parts in order to get the essence of the conversation. We wanted to provide extensive conservation on this topic as we cover substantial information that can be useful to our community.

Cultural practice defines how we identify ourselves. The social role placed on individuals and the gender expectation and communication level could be restrictive where specific topics such as sex and gender identity are not discussed. It is difficult to operate in a system where diversity of beliefs is not embraced, individuality is taboo, and growing outside the norm is considered distasteful. How is it possible for children to openly express pain or express innermost thoughts? Or the less powerful members of our society have to conform to social norms, and they do not have a voice to speak out when they are maltreated, sexually abused, and exploited.

In this episode, Baaba and I dialogued with Biodun Abudu, a Nigerian American author, an artist, and an entrepreneur. Mr. Abudu self-published three books, including Tales of My Skin, Stolen Sanity, and Forbidden Scripture. In this episode, Mr. Abudu discusses his publications and his upcoming projects. We further explore sexuality and gender identity in Nigeria and within the African Immigrant community in America. We would talk about the challenges facing those struggling with gender identity and the risk associated with coming out. We discussed Cultural & Religious Values & Conflict with Gender Identity & Secrecy. We talked about how these beliefs increase in sexual abuse of women and sometimes on children. Mr. Abudu provides advice on educating the parents about the LGBTQ+ community and the danger that comes with shying away from uncomfortable conversations such as sex and sexual abuse.

We provide information helpful information and resources for LGBTQ+ Community and their family.

These are resources in NYC for the youth struggling with gender identity. Such as LGBT Youth Resources

Such as:

1.  The Center: The Center is the heart and home of NYC’s LGBTQ community, providing programs for health, wellness and community connection.Website www.gaycenter.org

2.  Advocacy and Support Organizations for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Communities (Under Child Welfare and Information Gateway) Have services all over the US. https://www.childwelfare.gov › organizations

3.  PFLAG NYC support group: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People — is the founding chapter of PFLAG, the nation’s foremost family-based organization committed to the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Launched in New York City in 1973 by mothers and fathers who stood up for their gay children, PFLAG NYC started a national movement that now has more than 250,000 members and supporters in over 500 chapters throughout the United States. http://www.pflagnyc.org

4. For Asylum connection for those LGBTQ+ community facing deportation launched

Asylum Connect Catalog as a resource platform for those fleeing persecution due to sexual orientation or gender identity.

www.asylumconnect.org/help-my-client