Woman wrapper—a slur all too familiar to many queer Nigerian youth, especially boys, used to ridicule and demean them for embracing femininity. It perpetuates the toxic belief that any deviation from rigid gender norms is a sin, something to be feared or despised.
Today, the refrain has shifted: “I understand sexuality, but I cannot grasp changing one’s gender,” as though living one’s truth as transgender is the ultimate transgression. A transgression that can cost a life, like that of Area Mama, an Abuja transgender woman viciously murdered, her body stripped bare to expose her for the world to judge. Or Fola Francis, the first transgender woman to walk a major Nigerian runway, drowned and rejected even in death by her family.
To simply live in truth, for many trans people in Nigeria, is to risk violence and death. Even the act of cross-dressing in the wrong context can ignite hatred. To their detractors, queer people are possessed by evil spirits. Yet, queer Nigerians are merely repossessing their humanity, seeking to live authentic lives.
In this photo series Repossession, Alex captures the essence of Nigerian trans people embracing their truth amidst hostility. “Through my lens, I sought to reflect their strength, beauty, and unwavering determination to reclaim their narratives in a country that often meets their existence with violence.” Explore the series below, along with a brief narrative from Alex that encapsulates the heart of this poignant project.
"Repossession: Embracing trans and non binary Narratives in Nigeria"
"Repossession" is a personal exploration into the lives of trans and non-binary individuals residing in Lagos, Nigeria. born out of a desire to spotlight the resilience and authenticity of these remarkable individuals, who courageously navigate their identities in a society where being queer is not only stigmatized but criminalized.
In this series, I sought to capture the essence of these individuals living their truth amidst the challenges they face. Through my lens I aimed to highlight their strength, beauty, and unwavering determination to reclaim their narratives in a country where their existence is often met with hostility.
Central to the concept of "Repossession" is the exploration of reclaiming derogatory terms and slurs that have historically been used to oppress and marginalize queer individuals in Nigeria , Words like Adófuro, Namata Namata, Ajisébiobinrin, woman wrapper ,omekanwanyi, boy girl and Lákíríboto, which carry negative connotations, my aim is to have these words celebrated as symbols of empowerment and resilience within the queer community. By featuring these words alongside the portraits of my subjects, I aim to challenge societal norms and redefine the narrative surrounding queer identities in Nigeria.
Moreover, "Repossession stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of safe spaces in fostering acceptance and belonging. The collaboration with a queer-owned space that echoes the ambiance of an old Nigerian home adds depth to the narrative, serving as a visual representation of the resilience and strength found within queer communities.
Through this series, I hope to shed light on the lived experiences of queer individuals in Nigeria, showcasing their courage, resilience, and unwavering determination to thrive in a society that often seeks to silence them. "Repossession" is a celebration of queer joy, resilience, and the power of community in rewriting the narrative of queer existence in Nigeria."
The Team
Photography/creative and art direction: Alex Obochi
Styling: Tosin Bolade
Assist: Ogedengbe Eniolaoluwa
Designers featured:
Gëto world
By_tossinbolade
Susvlei
Ndiiche
Videography: Rachel seidu
Bts photo and videos: Daniella Almona
Makeup/hair
Zohweey Gordons
Jaddy ife
Onyinyechi
Space
H factor homes
The Kolanut Collective 
Leave a comment