My Sexuality is a Human Right

08 Dec 2011 2 Comments

by OutTales in My Sexuality is a Human Right Tags:

On 6 December 2011, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, marked International Human Rights Day with an amazing and inspiring speech in Geneva. In her speech she spoke about how ‘Gay Rights were Human Rights, and Human Rights were Gay Rights’.

Her speech speaks to the heart of the OutTales ‘My Sexuality is a Human Right‘ ongoing campaign; an awareness raising campaign in response to the same-sex prohibition bill currently making its way through parliament in Nigeria.

As Hillary says in her rousing speech, ‘being gay is not a western invention, it is a human reality’. Wake-up Nigeria!

Reflections on Friendship

08 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by OutTales in Reflections on 2011 Tags:

When I reflect on the year 2011 to-date, it has been a rather turbulent year for me emotionally, psychologically, morally and financially; but I am glad that it has been this way because it has enabled me to reflect considerably about a wide range of issues; especially about friendships.

Some of my thoughts and opinions have already been articulated in pieces that I have written here on ‘OutTales around the Fire’ and the process of making these contributions, has been quite cathartic for me.

This year I have rekindled friendships and put to bed and consciously let go of a few supposed friendships. Therefore, my reflection in this piece is based on my take on friendships. More

My Sexuality is a Human Right

05 Dec 2011 1 Comment

by OutTales in My Sexuality is a Human Right Tags: , ,

I did not wake up on a sunny Saturday morning, yawn, stretch and tell myself, ‘I’m tired of being straight, today is a good day to be gay.’

I’ve always been gay. I’ve always been on this less taken path for as long as I can remember. It’s as natural to me, as it is for a dove designed to fly, not swim. As natural to me, as it is for an eagle born to soar, not crawl.

My heart and soul are channeled to this path and without expressing myself, I’m like an eagle caged forever. More

My Sexuality is a Human Right

04 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by OutTales in My Sexuality is a Human Right Tags: , ,

I have been gay all my life, well as far as I can imagine. I didn’t make myself this way, I have lived my lifestyle in such a way that it doesn’t affect anyone.

Since the anti-gay bill in Nigeria has been introduced, every LGBT person here now lives in fear of being the first victim of the witch-hunt; with the high level of ignorance, we never can vouch for what family members, co-workers, friends & neighbors might do, in fear of the 10-year jail term for abetting a same sex relationship. More

Nigeria We Hail Thee

03 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by OutTales in My Sexuality is a Human Right Tags: , , ,

My sexuality is my ‘absolute’ and fundamental human right. I refer to ‘absolute’ in the sense that my sexuality must be free from restriction, limitation and exception; especially since I am an adult, living in a democratic society, with the right to make choices about whom and how I choose to have sex; and in fact live my life without impinging on other Peoples civil liberties.

My two exceptions in relation to sexual activities between human beings are pedophilia, because a child has to reach an age where they can make informed choices and not be exploited or abused by anyone; and rape because it is fundamentally wrong (in my view) to force another person to have sex by using threats, intimidation, position power, emotional blackmail and or violence.   More

My Sexuality is a Human Right

02 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by OutTales in My Sexuality is a Human Right Tags: , ,

Running in parallel with our monthly OutTales themes will be the ‘My Sexuality is a Human Right‘ campaign.

I have come to understand that social action takes different forms. Some people are called to be protesters and march the streets. Some people are called to be activists in the background, by engaging in dialogue with friends, family and colleagues. Some people are called to lobby legislators and human rights bodies.

We all have a part to play, some in the background, some at the forefront – even if it is as simple as providing a compassionate ear to a fellow member of the Family, worried about the impact of this homophobic piece of legislation. This is a call to action; we all have a part to play. Sitting on the fence or staying quiet is not an option. Our silence will not save us. More

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