The Initiative for Equal Rights is a Nigeria-based, registered not-for-profit organisation committed to creating a society free from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and affiliation. Since 2005, we have worked to uphold and promote the rights of all marginalized communities in Nigeria and broader West Africa, through intersectional advocacy, strategic litigation and the provision of safe platforms for community dialogue concerning LGBTQIA+-related issues
Due to the prevailing discriminatory laws and societal stigma in Nigeria, our research shows that over 700 individuals from marginalized groups face violations annually based on real or perceived differences in identity, expression, or characteristics. These violations include mass unlawful arrests, extortion, denial of employment opportunities, housing, and medical services, sexual assault, exclusion from social and religious spaces, and even murder.
TIERs is committed to fostering cross-movement coalitions and empowering organizations in Nigeria to advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities using feminist principles. By engaging stakeholders beyond organizations, TIERs aims to build a discrimination-free society. Leveraging 19 years of resources, we work with legislative bodies to repeal discriminatory laws and promote inclusive policies that support the human rights of all persons.
We exist to protect, uphold and promote the rights and humanity of all Nigerians regardless of their identity, orientation and affiliation through advocacy, empowerment, education and the provision of safe platforms of convergence.
Due to the prevailing discriminatory laws and societal stigma in Nigeria, our research shows that over 700 individuals from marginalized groups face violations annually based on real or perceived differences in identity, expression, or characteristics. These violations include mass unlawful arrests, extortion, denial of employment opportunities, housing, and medical services, sexual assault, exclusion from social and religious spaces, and even murder.
TIERs is committed to fostering cross-movement coalitions and empowering organizations in Nigeria to advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities using feminist principles. By engaging stakeholders beyond organizations, TIERs aims to build a discrimination-free society. Leveraging 19 years of resources, we work with legislative bodies to repeal discriminatory laws and promote inclusive policies that support the human rights of all persons.
We exist to protect, uphold and promote the rights and humanity of all Nigerians regardless of their identity, orientation and affiliation through advocacy, empowerment, education and the provision of safe platforms of convergence.
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