By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
In Nigeria, where same sex relationships and public displays of affection are illegal, queer events are clandestine and inherently risky. The Fola Francis Ball, a recent celebratory event named in honor of a transgender woman who passed away last year, exemplifies this defiance. Organizers released the venue details only hours before it commenced, yet over 500 attendees gathered near Lagos's waterfront, navigating through a district known for rave parties.
The event provided a sanctuary for Lagos's queer community, where individuals could express their identities freely, a stark contrast to their usual need to conform to societal norms. The ball, themed neo gothic, was a vivid display of androgyny and eccentricity. Attendees, including men in dresses and women with bold makeup, reveled in an environment of acceptance and joy, shedding their fears.
Ayo Lawson and Uyaiedu Ikpe Etim, inspired by a similar event, organized the ball. Last year's edition celebrated their queer themed film "14 Years and a Day," while this year they honored Fola Francis, a pivotal figure in Nigeria's underground ballroom scene. Francis had fostered a supportive community until her untimely death.
The event was not just a tribute but also a competition, with categories like butch queen realness, femme queen realness, body, face, voguing, and best dressed. The audience's cheers and chants highlighted the night's celebratory spirit.
Despite the joy, the fear of arrest loomed. The 2014 Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act criminalizes their existence, causing many to stay away. However, the organizers took extensive safety measures, including changing rooms and private security, to ensure attendee's safety. They welcomed allies and family members, emphasizing that queer joy is a form of resistance and a means to change societal narratives.
Author Eloghosa Osunde and fashion designer Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, both judges at the event, stressed the importance of such spaces for reducing shame and fostering a sense of belonging. As Lagos's underground ball scene grows, it continues to provide a vital refuge for the queer community, allowing them to live authentically and without judgment.