Hidden Vulnerabilities

Hidden Vulnerabilities: The Intersection of Human Trafficking and LGBTQ+ discrimination

Growing Up in Fear

In Nigeria, where being gay is not just taboo but illegal, LGBTQ+ individuals often find themselves in precarious situations. These victims face not only societal rejection but also legal consequences, for example, imprisonment, which can result in death. This creates an environment where they are especially vulnerable to blackmail, exploitation and trafficking. Criminal networks prey on this vulnerability, knowing that the fear of exposure and legal repercussions can be used to control and manipulate their victims.

In our ongoing series to shed light on the complex realities of human trafficking, we turn our focus to a story that shows two often misunderstood aspects: the experience of a male victim and the additional vulnerabilities faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we share the story of Matthew, a survivor of human trafficking whose journey reflects these harsh realities.

The Trap

Matthew grew up in a small Nigerian village where societal norms and laws strictly condemned homosexuality. From a young age, he discovered his homosexuality. However, in Nigeria, same-sex relationships are criminalized, this led Matthew to hide his true self from his family and community. As he moved into adulthood, he began exploring his homosexuality through the use of dating apps like Grindr, this was when the nightmare began.

He arranged a date through Grindr, which turned out to be a trap set up by a notorious Nigerian crime network. When Matthew arrived at the agreed location, he was captured, beaten, and humiliated. The gang held him captive for days, taking photos of him naked to use for blackmail. After being tortured and threatened, they contacted a friend of Matthew’s to demand a ransom. Fearing for his friend’s life, this friend paid the gang, and Matthew was released. He fled and hid his ordeal from his family due to the stigma and fear of persecution and prosecution. Yet, even after escaping the immediate danger, the threats from the gang continued. This notorious gang is extremely powerful and one of the biggest Nigerian crime networks with roots all over the world. The gang located Matthew’s family and blackmailed him, using his sexual orientation as a weapon against him.

Seeking Safety

Unable to turn to the local police—who are known to be corrupt and in league with such gangs—Matthew found himself with limited options. His journey took him from hiding in fear to trusting an employer who promised safety and a new start in Europe. However, this path was not free of peril. Travelling with a temporary visa, Matthew was stopped and interviewed by the Immigration Department, marking yet another uncertain chapter in his struggle for safety and freedom. He was imprisoned for a short time, he was however not carrying false identification documents, which means that he was not tried for fraud. HopeNow through our outreach work, found him in prison and built trust to get him identified as trafficked and realized him immediately. This process took awhile, around eight different counselling sessions with HopeNow.

Reflecting on the Realities and Prevention

Matthew’s story urges us to reflect on how societal attitudes and legal frameworks contribute to the vulnerability of marginalized groups. The criminalization of homosexuality in places like Nigeria not only puts individuals at risk of violence and exploitation, but also limits their ability to seek protection and justice. This leaves them with few places to turn to and increases their susceptibility to trafficking. 

To prevent such exploitation, it is crucial to advocate for changes in legal and societal perceptions, particularly in regions where LGBTQ+ rights are criminalized. Strengthening support networks, increasing awareness, and providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability. Additionally, international cooperation and understanding are needed to ensure that immigration systems can recognize and appropriately respond to the unique risks faced by LGBTQ+ trafficking victims. In Denmark, victims of human trafficking, particularly victims from Nigeria, are not granted asylum based on their trafficking status, as trafficking is regarded as a private matter. However, for LGBTQ+ victims of human trafficking, if they can prove that they are in danger if returned to their home countries, the Immigration Department sometimes will grant residency in Denmark. 

As we continue this series, we aim to bring more of these hidden stories to the forefront, not only to inform and educate but also to challenge the stereotypes and systems that allow human trafficking to persist. Behind every statistic and every stereotype is a person with a story that needs to be heard.

*All names and some details changed to protect the identity of the clients of HopeNow.