Emergency housing, legal support, research, and crisis response for the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria
Equilibrium Initiative Nigeria (EIN) (www.ein4queeryouths.org) is a youth-led non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex LGBTQI+ individuals in Nigeria.
Established in 2018, EIN has become a significant advocate for the empowerment and protection of LGBTQI+ youth, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Through targeted initiatives and grassroots activism, EIN works towards ensuring that LGBTQI+ youth can live with dignity, free from discrimination and violence in a society that frequently marginalizes them.
To sustain and support our work, EIN is seeking funding from the Rustin Fund to support our ongoing initiatives and needs. Donations and funding will go to our key focus programs:
Legal Support for the Nigerian LGBTQI+ Community
EIN has been at the forefront of advocacy and litigation for LGBTQI+ rights in Nigeria, offering legal support to over 270 individuals facing discrimination and violence. By taking legal action and offering strategic representation, EIN has secured the release of 69 LGBTQI+ youth wrongfully imprisoned due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This work highlights EIN’s dedication to challenging unjust legal frameworks and ensuring LGBTQI+ individuals can exercise their rights without fear of legal persecution.
Emergency Housing and Support
EIN provides a lifeline to homeless LGBTQI+ youth in the Niger Delta region. Over 60 individuals, including lesbian and transgender youth, have benefited from EIN’s emergency housing programs. These programs go beyond shelter, offering essential services such as medical care, psychosocial counseling, and life skills training to help youth transition into safer and more stable living conditions. EIN’s holistic approach ensures the physical, emotional, and social needs of LGBTQI+ youth are met.
Crisis Response and Strategic Development
EIN’s commitment to swift and effective responses in times of crisis is a core aspect of its work. Whether responding to individual incidents or larger systemic challenges, EIN is prepared to intervene in critical situations. The organization also works on developing strategic frameworks that address long-term challenges, ensuring that LGBTQI+ youth’s rights are considered in national and local policies. This work ensures that interventions are sustainable and well-coordinated, benefiting a wide network of LGBTQI+ individuals.
Event Organization, Community Mobilization, and Empowerment EIN believes that true change comes from within the community. The organization has made significant efforts in community mobilization and empowerment, reaching over 400 LGBTQI+ youth through public education campaigns, workshops, and community organizing. These initiatives are designed to build solidarity among LGBTQI+ individuals and empower them to advocate for their rights, ensuring they can thrive both individually and as a community.
“The board of directors retains discretion over the use of funds.”
