Practices of non-heterosexual masculinities among MSM in Nigeria

There is an existing assumption in the singularity in which masculinity and male sexuality in sub-Saharan Africa can and should be enacted and expressed. This narrative is driven by assumptions of a predominantly heterosexual Africa. In Nigeria, particularly, the hegemonic form of masculinity is patriarchal and heterosexual masculinity. Men who deviate from this hegemonic form of masculinity are believed to challenge the prevailing power structures and thus are potentially susceptible to societal stigma, discrimination, and extreme violence. This chapter presents findings from our qualitative research study conducted in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, between January and April 2016. It lends evidence to and acknowledges the existence and myriad of ways in which Nigerian men express their masculinity and sexuality. Given the illegality of homosexual identity and practices in Nigeria, we discuss how men who have sex with men in Nigeria understand and construct meaning around their sexual identities and practices as well as how they manage their non-heterosexual identities. We conclude the chapter with a reflection on the implications for the field of public health.