Bisi Alimi Foundation
The Bisi Alimi Foundation advocates for the rights and dignity of LGBT people in Nigeria. Taking people from invisibility to visibility.
We research the perception Nigerians have about LGBT and the impact these perceptions have on the lives of LGBT people in Nigeria. These researches inform our fellowship programs that are developed to mainstream LGBT stories and realities through media and legal framework. We engage with businesses and work with them to domesticate their global diversity and inclusion policy in Nigeria, thereby creating a culture of acceptance, love and support.
What do we do?
- Build a wealth of knowledge through research and training
- Develop a fellowship programs for journalists and lawyers that not only support them by reward them for being part of the change movement
- Develop powerful and soul moving campaigns that will challenge and change the perceptions of Nigerians when it comes to LGBT people
- Engage with small and medium-sized enterprise and large corporations in Nigeria to create an awareness of the impact of homophobia on individuals and businesses.
How do we do it?
Research: we conduct public opinion surveys and studies on social perception of LGBT people in Nigeria to monitor change within the country. We also research into impact of homophobia on the LGBT community in Nigeria.
Campaign and Advocacy: we develop short video campaigns to create awareness around Homo/Bi/Transphobia, with the aim of changing public social perception of LGBT people in Nigeria. We also advocate for equal opportunity and social inclusion for LGBT people in Nigeria and advocate for accelerated acceptance.
Fellowship: We develop a mentorship based residential fellowship program that trains lawyers and journalists in understanding sexual orientation and gender identity. Our fellowship program provide a platform to equip the lawyers and the journalists with the right tools and supports to be agent of change.
Business Engagement: We as an organisation believe that businesses (big, medium and small) have a role to place in accelerate social acceptance for LGBT people in Nigeria. We uphold the principles that says inclusion is good business for businesses and that is why our business engagement unit is focused on supporting businesses to create an culture of inclusion and diversity and make work place safe for all their staff irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Why should you support us?
Nigeria is the first country in recent years to constitutionally criminalise LGBT people with 14 years of imprisonment. In parts of Northern Nigeria governed by Sharia, homosexuality is punishable by death – one of few countries in which this is the case. This puts Nigeria in the spotlight, creating fear within the LGBT community, as well as among their families and friends. It has led to indiscriminate arrest of LGBT people and constant victimisation from the society.
> Click here to read more about how this law is affecting LGBT Nigerians
We are an organisation using innovation and passion as a niche to promote equality and social inclusion in Nigeria. Our activities inform our advocacy and campaign with the aim of accelerating social acceptance of LGBT people.
By achieving equality and social inclusion in Nigeria, the rights of the LGBT people can be fully protected. Moreover, this will create a ripple effect across Africa and lead to a sustainable campaign for equality and justice.
How can you support us?
With your support, we are working hard to change hearts and minds in Nigeria and make it a safe home for LGBT people.