The Rustin Times

14/02/2024

Remembering The Fola Francis

My initial encounter with Fola Francis occurred in 2022 when I interviewed her for an article on Nigeria’s underground ballroom scene. Subsequently, we connected several times for additional articles, delving into topics concerning the trans community in Nigeria. Despite never meeting her in perso...

14/02/2024

My initial encounter with Fola Francis occurred in 2022 when I interviewed her for an article on Nigeria’s underground ballroom scene. Subsequently, we connected several times for additional articles, delving into topics concerning the trans community in Nigeria. Despite never meeting her in perso...

10/02/2024

Digital Activism and Community Building in Nigeria

“My work as an activist is an extension of my existence as a q***r person,” says 28-year-old Alexandra Maduagwu who works as the Human Right Program Officer for The Initiative of Equal Rights. “As a non-binary le***an living in Nigeria, I have had to liberate myself from the shackles of oppres...

10/02/2024

“My work as an activist is an extension of my existence as a q***r person,” says 28-year-old Alexandra Maduagwu who works as the Human Right Program Officer for The Initiative of Equal Rights. “As a non-binary le***an living in Nigeria, I have had to liberate myself from the shackles of oppres...

06/02/2024

When embarking on the journey of recognizing our q***rness, a complex tension often arises between our identities as Nigerians and as q***r individuals. This tension is exacerbated by the pervasive misconception that q***rness is a Western import, a notion that challenges our connection to Nigerian....

06/02/2024

Spotlight: Area Scatter

When embarking on the journey of recognizing our q***rness, a complex tension often arises between our identities as Nigerians and as q***r individuals. This tension is exacerbated by the pervasive misconception that q***rness is a Western import, a notion that challenges our connection to Nigerian....

02/02/2024

The Rustin Times Read: “And Then He Sang A Lullaby“

“And Then He Sang a Lullaby” carefully spins a narrative set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s increasing homophobia and the aftermath of the Same S*x Marriage Prohibition Act. For folks yet to read this novel, – spoilers ahead. The story unfolds with August, a devout track star and the sole...

02/02/2024

“And Then He Sang a Lullaby” carefully spins a narrative set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s increasing homophobia and the aftermath of the Same S*x Marriage Prohibition Act. For folks yet to read this novel, – spoilers ahead. The story unfolds with August, a devout track star and the sole...

23/01/2024

Q***r Fashion is Resistance

Most people hear fashion and think of big-name brands, stylish clothes, models, runways and fashion influencers. But that is not the case anymore, the world of fashion and politics are beginning to intersect in ways that can cause change especially for those living on the fringes of society. 27-year...

23/01/2024

Most people hear fashion and think of big-name brands, stylish clothes, models, runways and fashion influencers. But that is not the case anymore, the world of fashion and politics are beginning to intersect in ways that can cause change especially for those living on the fringes of society. 27-year...

20/01/2024

Public restrooms are spaces that many of us take for granted, but for transgender folks, these spaces can be a source of unique challenges, discrimination, or even affirmation. In this article, we delve into the diverse experiences of three trans individuals using public restrooms, shedding light on...

20/01/2024

Perspectives from the Trans Community: Navigating the Challenges of Public Restrooms

Public restrooms are spaces that many of us take for granted, but for transgender folks, these spaces can be a source of unique challenges, discrimination, or even affirmation. In this article, we delve into the diverse experiences of three trans individuals using public restrooms, shedding light on...

11/01/2024

Akwaeke Emezi’s New Book “Little Rot” Set to Hit Shelves

On January 8, 2024, literary deity Akwaeke Emezi sent ripples of anticipation through the literary world by unveiling the official release date of their eighth novel, “Little Rot.” A master storyteller known for their unique narrative prowess, Emezi hinted at the novel’s gripping tale through ...

11/01/2024

On January 8, 2024, literary deity Akwaeke Emezi sent ripples of anticipation through the literary world by unveiling the official release date of their eighth novel, “Little Rot.” A master storyteller known for their unique narrative prowess, Emezi hinted at the novel’s gripping tale through ...

06/01/2024

Introduction Leaving Nigeria was an imperative decision influenced by various elements, yet it was homophobia that served as its core. In my home country, being q***r meant concealing my identity beneath layers of fear. Nigeria’s societal fabric wasn’t woven to embrace differences like mine so I...

06/01/2024

Escaping the Shadows: A Q***r Nigerian’s Journey Seeking Asylum

Introduction Leaving Nigeria was an imperative decision influenced by various elements, yet it was homophobia that served as its core. In my home country, being q***r meant concealing my identity beneath layers of fear. Nigeria’s societal fabric wasn’t woven to embrace differences like mine so I...

03/01/2024

A Non-Binary Person’s Guide to Top Surgery

In today’s increasingly anti-trans environment, finding affirming and inclusive information about gender-affirming care can be a challenge. As a nonbinary Nigerian, the prospect of undergoing top surgery initially seemed distant from my reality. However, finding, pictures, and stories of individua...

03/01/2024

In today’s increasingly anti-trans environment, finding affirming and inclusive information about gender-affirming care can be a challenge. As a nonbinary Nigerian, the prospect of undergoing top surgery initially seemed distant from my reality. However, finding, pictures, and stories of individua...

29/12/2023

We’ve Been Here: Celebrating the Resilience of Q***r Kenyans

In Kenyan history, there exists a generation whose stories are often whispered, their experiences shrouded in the shadows of societal norms and cultural restraints, their tales of resilience, love, and their courage in navigating their identities amidst a legal landscape that criminalised them often...

29/12/2023

In Kenyan history, there exists a generation whose stories are often whispered, their experiences shrouded in the shadows of societal norms and cultural restraints, their tales of resilience, love, and their courage in navigating their identities amidst a legal landscape that criminalised them often...

24/12/2023

The Rustin Times’ Top TV Series of 2023 Featuring Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, or Q***r Characters

In 2023, some television series took a giant leap in representing the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Here’s a look at some of our favourite shows that not only entertained but also celebrated and highlighted the lives and stories of LGBTQ+ characters.   Everything ...

24/12/2023

In 2023, some television series took a giant leap in representing the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Here’s a look at some of our favourite shows that not only entertained but also celebrated and highlighted the lives and stories of LGBTQ+ characters.   Everything ...

15/12/2023

As the school year nears its end, Ola*, a nineteen-year-old student, finds themselves in a predicament. Ola lives their authentic life as a gender nonconforming le***an while attending school in Ogun state, miles away from their family home in Abuja. At school, Ola enjoys the freedom to express them...

15/12/2023

Navigating the Holidays As A Q***r Nigerian

As the school year nears its end, Ola*, a nineteen-year-old student, finds themselves in a predicament. Ola lives their authentic life as a gender nonconforming le***an while attending school in Ogun state, miles away from their family home in Abuja. At school, Ola enjoys the freedom to express them...

09/12/2023

THE RUSTIN TIMES 2023 READING LIST

As 2023 draws to a close, The Rustin Times embarked on an exploration of the rich and varied collection of African literature, with a keen focus on narratives centering on q***r themes. Within this literary realm, we’ve gathered a diverse collection of stories that illuminate the experiences, stru...

09/12/2023

As 2023 draws to a close, The Rustin Times embarked on an exploration of the rich and varied collection of African literature, with a keen focus on narratives centering on q***r themes. Within this literary realm, we’ve gathered a diverse collection of stories that illuminate the experiences, stru...

04/12/2023

Many African countries have risen in popularity as tourist destinations, especially among the diaspora. The Rustin Times recently delved into the legislative and societal attitudes across various African nations concerning LGBTQ+ individuals, aiming to shed light on safe destinations for q***r trave...

04/12/2023

Legal Landscape: An Overview of LGBTQ+ Rights and Legislation in African Countries

Many African countries have risen in popularity as tourist destinations, especially among the diaspora. The Rustin Times recently delved into the legislative and societal attitudes across various African nations concerning LGBTQ+ individuals, aiming to shed light on safe destinations for q***r trave...

30/11/2023

Fostering Inclusive Spaces for Young LGBTQ+ Individuals

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ community has witnessed a noticeable shift away from the prevalent hookup culture towards creating more inclusive spaces. This evolution represents a collective pursuit for deeper connections, broader acceptance, and supportive environments that extend beyond fleeting enc...

30/11/2023

In recent years, the LGBTQ+ community has witnessed a noticeable shift away from the prevalent hookup culture towards creating more inclusive spaces. This evolution represents a collective pursuit for deeper connections, broader acceptance, and supportive environments that extend beyond fleeting enc...