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.
CAN YOU ROCK THIS? LADIES?
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