Author name: tpladmin

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.

Before you begin to read… If you think about it, you would agree that, in recent years, Nigeria has made commendable progress in the fight against HIV. The 2020 National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework sets ambitious targets: by 2030, we aim for 95-95-95—meaning 95% of people with HIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. But now, a single order from the U.S. government threatens to undo all this hard work. All to what gain? On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order pausing U.S. foreign aid for 90 days to reevaluate spending. For many countries, this could be worrisome, but for Nigeria, it is life or death. Here’s how we know! Nigeria relies heavily on PEPFAR (The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)—one of the biggest sources of funding for HIV treatment, testing, and prevention. PEPFAR has been one of the backbones of our progress. This 90-day funding freeze could mean: 🧡 No access to life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): People living with HIV need ART every day to stay healthy. And for a country like Nigeria, where any delay in funding could cause a shortage of drugs, forcing people to miss doses or stop treatment altogether. This puts their lives at risk. 💜 HIV testing and prevention programs shutting down: Without testing, many will not know their status, leading to more new infections and increased virus spread. 💛 Community outreach and support services collapsing: Many programs help people stay on treatment, reduce stigma, and provide counselling. If these stop, adherence rates will drop, and more people will struggle with untreated HIV. Should we even talk about some indirect impacts on the economy, as there would be a loss of jobs? Or ask the question, “Why is the Nigerian government still depending on foreign intervention for its healthcare?” But here’s the effect it’s already having. Sam, a 27-year-old student in Ijebu, has been living with HIV for five years. Through PEPFAR-supported programs, he has accessed ART and safe sex commodities, kept his viral load suppressed, and lived his life to his dreams without fear of health complications. However, with the funding cut, Sam’s access to medication is now uncertain. He wants to come to Lagos at the next available chance he can get, but he’d be coming to meet closed OSSs. He has been panicking because he knows that if he misses his daily pills, his viral load could increase, making him vulnerable to opportunistic infections and even treatment failure.  Sam is not alone. Think about the other Serodiscordant couple(s) who have already begun their CAB-LA shots. Would their shots be available next month? These and many others in Nigeria face similar risks, and without immediate intervention, the progress made in the fight against HIV could be irreversibly damaged. The bigger picture: Nigeria’s Economic Crisis Under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, a national ARV program was launched on World Aids Day (1 December 2001). ART was provided in selected tertiary hospitals and was made available for people for a small amount of money (₦1,000) at first. Still, it was later discovered that many people couldn’t even afford this drug (for quick clarity, HIV treatment isn’t all about the drugs, there’s care and support etc), imagine now that Nigeria is already facing an unstable economy, high inflation, and a struggling healthcare system. People are left with the option of choosing between buying food and getting medicine. Would they be able to afford it if it is being sold? Now, with the funding cut, even those who depend on free treatment may find their access blocked. Just imagine telling someone who has fought so hard to stay healthy that their medication may not be available next month. Imagine the fear of a mother who needs treatment to prevent passing HIV to her baby—and now she’s left in uncertainty. What this means for our 95-95-95 Goal We were on our way to ending HIV as a public health crisis. But without funding, Nigeria may fall behind, and millions could be affected. The 95-95-95 dream will become a nightmare if we don’t act fast. But let’s keep hope alive, for you are not alone. TPLPI stands with you As organizations work tirelessly to maintain stability in this crisis, TPLPI wants to assure you that you are not alone. We remain committed to ensuring the well-being of those affected. In these difficult times, you can still: 💜 Get your medication regardless of your status—whether you need PrEP or ARVs, as soon as you can.2. 💛Practice protective sex to avoid contracting STIs or warts, and stay informed about safer sex practices. 3. 🧡Use credible sources to remain informed: As they say, fear kills faster. you should avoid consuming/spreading fake, unverifiable news. If at all you need clarifications of any sort, you can contact your primary place of care.4. 💙Focus on positive behaviors and lifestyles like reaching out to your friends, families, partners.  What can we do? We must raise our voices, demand action, and ensure that our government, global leaders, and organizations step in before it’s too late. 👉 Speak up! Share this post and spread awareness.👉 Support local organizations working on HIV response in Nigeria.👉 Advocate for emergency funding solutions to keep treatment accessible. Every second counts. A 90-day pause should not cost lives.

Serodiscordant couples can opt-in for CAB-LA. Last week, after resuming office, we designed an awareness post for CAB-LA, a groundbreaking injectable form of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). When I shared it with our Postrybe community, the feedback was surprising: some people felt CAB-LA wasn’t for them. But let’s pause and paint a picture. Imagine this: You’re in a loving relationship with someone’s son or daughter. One of you is HIV-positive, and the other is HIV-negative ( this is called a serodiscordant relationship). For many couples, this is a reality. However, it doesn’t have to be a source of fear, uncertainty, or even the end of a beautiful relationship. With CAB-LA, an injection taken once every two months, you can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It’s safe, effective, and convenient—no daily pills to remember. Plus, it’s affordable, offering protection and peace of mind without breaking the bank. Take Adeife and Kamsi’s story (a serodiscordant love story), for example:  When Kamsi first met Adeife, he had no idea Adeife was living with HIV. Adeife didn’t fit the stereotypical image many people associate with HIV-positive individuals. He was healthy, strong, and vibrant. Over time, Adeife began dropping hints during their conversations—mentioning sexual and reproductive health rights, gauging Kamsi’s thoughts on HIV-positive individuals, and gently opening up. Finally, Adeife revealed his status. Kamsi was in awe. Everything he’d been told growing up—that HIV-positive people were always sickly or that they wouldn’t live long—was proven wrong. Adeife was living proof that with treatment and care, HIV-positive individuals can lead full, healthy lives. How CAB-LA contributed to their love life For Kamsi, learning about CAB-LA was a game-changer (because he wasn’t a pill person), and guess who told him about it? Adeife. “Taking my second dose of CAB-LA was an experience, and it also helped me and my partner get intimate without fear,” Kamsi shared. “I had stopped oral PrEP a while ago, but CAB-LA gave me a safer, simpler alternative. Knowing that Adeife is virally suppressed and that U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) works made it even better.” CAB-LA has enabled them to stay connected and protect their relationship without the stress of daily medication for Kamsi. Adeife’s advice for Serodiscordant Couples like themselves. Adeife believes honesty is the best approach when it comes to sharing an HIV-positive status. He advises: 🧡 Find a gentle way to tell your partner: If you’re nervous, start with a fictional story to ease into the conversation.💜 Seek help if needed: Organizations like TPLPI can discreetly help you inform your partner using a trusted third party or an ICT officer.💙 Practice safe sex: Until your partner is on PrEP or you’re both confident in your status management, using protection is key. So, to our community and everyone reading this, CAB-LA is more than just an injection—it’s a reliable and easier alternative for serodiscordant couples and even every HIV-negative individual out there to live without fear. If you’re in a similar relationship or know someone in a similar relationship, talk to your healthcare provider today. Always remember, your love deserves protection. With CAB-LA, you can protect your partner, health, and future together. For more information or confidential referrals, contact us here, send a DM on our socials or call Animashaun: +234 902 894 2008, Anu: +234 816 572 8580. By sharing stories like Adeife’s and Kamsi’s, we can inspire others to see beyond stigma and choose love over fear. Let CAB-LA be the bridge that connects your relationship to a healthier, brighter future.