LGBTQI Health, Social Conditions, and Community Support Systems in La- gos and Ogun States: A Field-Based Reflection
Abstract:
LGBTQI individuals in Nigeria navigate a restrictive legal and social environment that shapes their access to healthcare, economic stability, and psychosocial wellbeing. This manuscript offers an extended field-based reflection informed by community engagement, outreach documentation, and programmatic work in Lagos and Ogun States. It examines the intersection of structural stigma, institutional barriers, and daily lived realities, highlighting how these elements collectively influence health-seeking behaviour, mental health outcomes, and community resilience. The manuscript also evaluates the role of community organizations and informal peer networks in bridging service gaps through education, referrals, safe spaces, and crisis response mechanisms. Drawing on observations from grassroots programming, the paper discusses patterns relevant to public health, human rights, and community development. The reflection is supported by literature on stigma, minority stress, and community health frameworks. Recommendations are presented for strengthening service pathways, im proving healthcare worker sensitization, expanding mental health support, and enhancing economic empow erment. The aim is to contribute practitioner-centered knowledge to ongoing scholarly and policy discussions focused on LGBTQI health and rights in Nigeria.
