Nigerian transgender, model, singer, beauty queen and LGBT activist
Miss Iris Sahhara Henson granted an interview to The Heroines where she
talked about her sex change, the Nigeria’s anti-gay bill and her
career. On whether she had a transgender role model Sahhara says…
“Not really, I transitioned quite late. I had fellow sisters in the
club scene that helped me with information. I was able to do more
research and educate myself on my confusions online too. Learning more
about April Ashley and all the other trans veterans helped to normalize
my journey into womanhood.”
When asked the hardest thing about your coming out, Sahhara says…
“Being rejected by family, friends and society. Islam and Christian
religion controls the society in Nigeria. Most Nigerians have radical
views on all aspect of human life due to the influence of American
evangelical Christians and Sharia Law. Many people have negative
misconception and the wrong information when it comes to gender
variances.”
She also talked about the present situation of transgender women in the British and Nigerian societies…
“The United Kingdom has come a long way when it come to human
rights and transgender rights; it is a huge contrast to Nigeria, in the
UK there are professional healthcare advisers and doctors who treat
gender disorders and confusions with great understanding. I have the
freedom to achieve like any other British citizen.
In Nigeria, on the other hand, people like me are non-existent, gay
people are driven underground by hate and misunderstanding. Most gay
men are married to women in fear of persecution and murder. Nigeria is a
hundred years behind the western world; the laws are made based on
religious beliefs.
The government recently passed an Anti-LGBT law, dishing out 14
years imprisonment for LGBT people; 11 years for friends, family and
people who associate with LGBT. It is very sad, what Africa need is
education and the separation of government from religion.”
She also reveals her plan to release an album…
“I began singing and writing songs at the age of twelve in Nigeria.
I found solace in music through the church due to a rather
troubled/confused childhood because of the identity I was assigned at
birth. So, when I moved to the United Kingdom” to live my life openly, I
decided to pursue my music career a bit farther. I have a singing
residency in a lovely venue in London for the past 10 years. Music is my
life, being creative in writing and producing gives me joy and
satisfaction. I have written and produced over fifty songs, I am
planning to release an album in the future.
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