Queering Nollywood: Perspectives on same-sex relations in Nigerian filmmaking

Nigeria is one of the nations in which same-sex relations are still criminalized. Reflecting this sociopolitical and cultural context, Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, has traditionally portrayed homosexual characters in largely villainous roles. However, the industry seems to have undergone shifts from staunch heteronormative narratives with unease towards homosexuality to tolerance and even open-ended film stories. This article explores the various characterizations of LGBTQ+ persons in Nollywood to underscore the advances in the industry’s narration of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria. The article engages in a qualitative study of select Nollywood films focusing on the changing thematic, characterization and narrative views of homosexuality. This article provides insights into how Nollywood cinemas may offer a glimpse into the evolving understanding of queerness in Nigerian society.