Abidjan's Flamboyant Cross-Dressing Performers
In the heart of West Africa, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, is a relative haven for the LGBTQ+ community compared to other nearby locations. However, despite this relative tolerance, the city's queer population still faces significant challenges, including violence and a lack of legal recognition.
Over the past year, at least 45 violent assaults have been reported against gay and transgender men in Abidjan, incited by social media influencers and fueled by public displays of homophobia, particularly during sporting events. same-sex partnerships and marriages remain unrecognized by law, contributing to continued institutional and societal discrimination.
The drag community, a vibrant and creative part of the LGBTQ+ scene, faces similar social risks. While detailed information about their specific situation is limited, it is clear that prevailing homophobia and transphobia in public and social spheres present risks and challenges to drag performers, who often face visibility-related threats.
The ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety is further complicated by the withdrawal of U.S. aid programs supporting women's rights and sexual minorities in Côte d'Ivoire. This withdrawal is likely to increase social vulnerabilities among sexual minorities, reducing available resources and advocacy capacity.
Amidst these challenges, there are stories of resilience and creativity. Ngadi Smart's photographic series, "The Queens of Babi," features Abidjan drag queens Kesse Ane Assande Elvis Presley, known as "Britney Spears," and Mohamed, known as "Baba." Britney Spears finds the feeling of being in drag to be an immense pleasure, and Baba describes the experience as absolutely magical.
The series was created after Smart met and talked with members of Abidjan's drag community about highlighting their talent and creative passions. Britney Spears, who has been doing drag for almost two years, gets ideas and inspiration from her own creative thinking, as well as from sources like E.J. Johnson. Baba, who started doing drag in 2017, finds inspiration in a combination of African fairy tales, goddesses like Oshun, and pop culture references such as Nicki Minaj in "Ganja Burn."
However, life as an LGBTQ+ person in Abidjan is difficult and not yet accepted. Britney Spears and Baba have faced challenges in expressing themselves creatively due to the cost of items like makeup, accessories, and outfit fabrication, and finding a tailor who would agree to work on their outfits. The private drag competitions they participated in were held in a discreet bar with security personnel to ensure safety from homophobes.
Despite the challenges, the community's spirit remains strong. Britney Spears and Baba are testament to the power of creativity and self-expression, even in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for acceptance and safety facing LGBTQ+ individuals and the drag community in Abidjan, but also of the resilience and determination that define this vibrant and creative community.
- The drag community, a creative part of the LGBTQ+ scene in Abidajan, faces challenges related to visibility and safety due to homophobia and transphobia.
- Despite the ongoing struggles, Abidjan's queer community has shown resilience and creativity, such as Ngadi Smart's photographic series, "The Queens of Babi."
- Britney Spears, a drag queen featured in the series, finds the feeling of being in drag an immense pleasure, whilst Baba describes the experience as magical.
- Smart met with members of Abidjan's drag community to highlight their talent and creative passions, with Britney Spears drawing inspiration from sources like E.J. Johnson.
- Baba finds inspiration in a combination of African fairy tales, goddesses, and pop culture references like Nicki Minaj's "Ganja Burn."
- Life as an LGBTQ+ person in Abidjan is difficult, with Britney Spears and Baba facing challenges in expressing themselves creatively due to cost and lack of supportive tailors.
- Private drag competitions are held in discreet bars with security personnel to ensure safety from homophobes.
- The community's spirit remains strong, with Britney Spears and Baba embodying the power of creativity and self-expression in the face of adversity.
- Their stories serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for acceptance and safety facing LGBTQ+ individuals and the drag community in Abidjan.
- The withdrawal of U.S. aid programs in Côte d'Ivoire is likely to increase social vulnerabilities among sexual minorities, reducing available resources and advocacy capacity.
- Over the past year, at least 45 violent assaults have been reported against gay and transgender men, incited by social media influencers and fueled by public displays of homophobia, particularly during sporting events.
- Same-sex partnerships and marriages remain unrecognized by law in Côte d'Ivoire, contributing to institutional and societal discrimination, and threatening the WNBA, NBA, NCAAB, and sports-betting communities within the city.
