'OUT in Nigeria' Team ReportOUT and Chevs (Nigeria)
24 October 2025
1:00 pm
Session summary
This presentation exposes our research work on our Out in Nigeria case study and recently published report, which will discuss key findings that emerged from the research analysis such as widespread disillusionment and apathy regarding democracy, legal and institutional challenges regarding political participation, the current stigma and stigmatisation towards the LGBTQIA+ populations, which is often reinforced by the state; the weaponisation of LGBTQI+ rights by political parties, as well as the problematics relating to safety and security for activists and LGBTQIA+ individuals. In this session, we will also discuss the methodology and the report's approach to analysing LGBTQIA+ political participation in Nigeria. We will hear first-hand accounts and experiences from activists and researchers linked to CHEVS, the Nigerian organisation with which ReportOUT worked hand in hand on this project. Likewise, the recommendations introduced in the report will be presented and a question and comment session will be held for the public.
Biography
Arnaldo de Santana Silva has a degree in Law and International Relations, a specialisation in Human Rights Education. Arnaldo is studying an MA in International Relations focusing on Human Rights and the LGBTI+ agenda. As well as this, he is also an LGBTQI+ and human rights activist with a history of activism in international institutions defending the rights of the community.
Makaba Winnie is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, who has for the past five years been living and practicing law in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently serving as a Human Rights Researcher at ReportOUT, she channels her passion for human rights into meaningful work.
Gustavo Hernandez-Calderón (he/him) is a Colombian-German researcher specialising in sexual and gender minorities in the global south. He is currently completing his MA in Global Studies at the Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany).
Ross Othen-Reeves (He/Him) studied International Development for his undergraduate degree, followed by a Master's, both at the University of Sussex, U.K. He focused on global LGBTQ+ rights throughout both degrees, completing field research in Malawi and Ethiopia respectively.
