Clubhouse: Homophobic Nigerians target LGBTQ+ members on popular app

 

Clubhouse, the popular social media app, has become a spot for widespread abuse of members of the Nigerian LGBTQ+ community.

MuchTalksBlog reports that the term LGBTQ+ refers to people of other sexual orientations other than heterosexuals. Specifically, it means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and others.

Nigerian law frowns at same sex relationships or unions. Defaulters face imprisonment terms of up to 14 years. Consequently, members of the LGBTQ+ community have always moved about in fear of falling foul of this law. Thus, they usually seek the security of safe places that social media provides to converge. Clubhouse, an invitation-only app has been used as an escape for these Nigerians; who use the app to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and topics.

However, a report in Time magazine says safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Nigerians are now being hijacked by homophobic users.

Clubhouse, it says, has been a safe haven for most people. But recently, the reports says abuse and anti-LGBTQ+ behaviour has become more common since its introduction.

‘‘Some homophobic chatrooms have even disguised themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly; luring in unsuspecting people before unleashing horrible verbal attacks. The hijacking of queer spaces on social media has become more common in Nigeria, with some homophobes even tricking gay individuals on Grindr.

‘‘In a recent attack on the app, a moderator proudly admitted his homophobic nature; stating: “I am telling you that you, do you hear. You are not coming up, and it is going to pain you as I am saying that I am homophobic.”

A Nigerian Clubhouse user told Time it was “exhausting” that these rooms are being created; without anyone being held responsible for spreading hate.

Clubhouse community guidelines stands against any form of discrimination. The community guidelines also state that temporary audio recordings of chatrooms occur in case someone were to submit an incident report.

But even with heavy precautions, some users have stated that nothing has been done for reports of abuse.