In the ever-busy streets of Lagos, where energy never seems to rest, Rihanna (she/her) found her voice, not as a celebrity or an influencer, but as a young transgender activist determined to change the narrative. When Rihanna talks about activism, her voice doesn’t tremble; it’s steady. She speaks with the calm of someone who has seen too much to look away.
When we asked her what moment or experience first made her realise activism was something she couldn’t ignore, she said
“For me, it was witnessing firsthand the persistent and violent human rights abuses faced by transgender people in Lagos, especially when those violations came from institutions that were supposed to protect us. The moment I realized activism was necessary was when I saw how silence and inaction were costing lives and dignity. I knew I couldn’t stand by anymore; I had to be part of the change.”
Her activism wasn’t born out of ambition; it came from witnessing what too many people only read about, or much worse, tried to ignore. That decision—to stop standing by, shaped everything that came after for her and her community.
And as you know, activism in Lagos isn’t soft work. The weight of stigma, discrimination, and hostile laws can feel endless. And Rihanna has felt that pressure too, but she’s also found what keeps her steady and, in her words,
“One of the biggest challenges is navigating the deep-rooted stigma and legal barriers against transgender people, which sometimes feels like an uphill battle with no clear finish line. But what keeps me going is the resilience of the community and the belief that every small step forward chips away at systemic oppression. I push through by centering our stories, building solidarity, and celebrating even the smallest victories.”
Each act of courage, such as showing up, speaking out, or surviving, becomes a form of resistance.
However, these efforts still fail to stop the endless challenges, as Lagos can be very unforgiving to those who dare to challenge abuse or corruption. Young activists, Rihanna says, face not only threats of violence but also deep social and legal risks. Still, she’s learned to navigate the terrain with both caution and strength she mentioned that,
“Young activists often face threats of violence, harassment, and social exclusion. There’s also the risk of legal repercussions because of laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ identities. I’ve learned that building strong networks of trust, documenting abuses carefully, and leveraging local and international allies are crucial strategies. Protecting our mental health and creating safe spaces to regroup also keeps us sustainable in this fight.”
These strategies aren’t just about survival, they’re about building something lasting: a culture of care and accountability. But alas, every activist has a moment that reminds them why they keep going. And for Rihanna, it was helping a young trans person seek justice after a police abuse case, a “Kito” case that could have ended in silence. She said,
“One memorable win was when we successfully supported a young trans person through a ‘Kito’ case, and secured justice for them. That victory reminded me and the community that our advocacy can disrupt cycles of violence and bring real accountability. It reaffirmed that every voice raised against injustice matters.”
It wasn’t just a court victory; it was proof that collective action can hold the system accountable, even slightly, and achieve fairness, and this births a vivid imagination. For Rihanna, her vision is clear and unapologetic. In her words, she describes it as
“ a Lagos where transgender people and all marginalised groups can live openly without fear, where human rights are truly respected and upheld. A Lagos fueled by the courage and persistence of young activists who refuse to accept the status quo. A city where justice, inclusion, and dignity aren’t just ideals, but lived realities.”
That dream isn’t naïve. It’s necessary, and it’s achievable. Even as we speak, it’s being built, one act of bravery at a time.
Rihanna’s story reminds us that change often begins with refusal, the refusal to stay silent, the refusal oR look away.
