Societal, Political, and Psychological Challenges Facing MSM in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Men that have sex with men (MSM) have kept their sexual orientation hidden for fear of being discovered, discriminated, and punished. Therefore, the study assesses the societal, political, and psychological challenges facing MSM in Nigeria. Methodology: The study was a quantitative cross-sectional survey conducted across 3 local government areas (LGAs): Ukum, Makurdi, and Oturkpo LGAs in the 3 geopolitical zones of Benue State from August 26 to September 28, 2021. A multistage cluster sampling method was adopted, and structured questionnaires were used to gather respondents’ data. Data analysis was done using IBM-Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 for Windows IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA. Results: The study found that about four-fifths (83.4%) had experienced stigmatization/discrimination. The stigmatization and discrimination had an emotional effect on them as a significant proportion (47.2%) feared going out in the community, school, church, and hospital. The rate at which they experienced physical abuse is fearsome, as about 60.0% had been physically abused, and 88.8% had experienced gender-based violence. A significant proportion (61.6%) were denied housing, and 76.8% claimed that people changed their attitudes after discovering their sexual identity. Conclusion: MSM suffer several kinds of abuse; hence, a review of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act is needed to curb the incidence of stigmatization, discrimination, and violence against MSM.