2020
Matthew (Blaise) Nwozaku
- Age: 24
- | He/him/his, They/them/their
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As cliche as it may sound, it might just be all you need.
- Matthew (Blaise) Nwozaku
Bio
Matthew ‘Blaise’ Nwozaku is a non-binary,openly gay activist in Nigeria. They’ve dedicated their life and work to confronting the violence towards gender non-conforming persons & Queer people in Nigeria by creating safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community, advocating for Queer rights through online and in-person events, and mobilizing actions. They are the Founder of Òbòdò, a youth-led organization that aims to use art, tech , safe spaces, outreaches and campaigns to advance LGBTQ+ rights and education.
Their work has brought much needed visibility to the plight of queer Africans. They are a recipient of the 2021 MTV EMAs Generation Change award and they’ve been been nominated and awarded the following:
— The Future Awards Africa
— SOGIESC activist of 2020 by TIERs
— DAZED 100 Changemakers
During the #ENDSARS protests, They mobilized and used their voice in a declaration that saw millions of views. Their message of queer liberation and Intersectionality reached a global audience, far and wide. As a result of this widely publicized demonstration, they’ve been featured in Vogue, Ze.tt, ZDFheute, Out Magazine, PinkNews, Time ,Bloomberg, Channel4News, among other notable global media outlets and publications.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
The fact that nonbinary, trans and gender non conforming people still face all kinds of violence in the world from state and non state bodies for their glorious identities really baffles me, hence I want to fight and fight for our collective liberation. I also think it’s very important that I am able to speak about gender equality from a very queer perspective.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Some of my biggest wins are: Starting the Queer and trans emergency fund; this is a fund that is so dear to my heart because it’s caters for trans people who are mostly neglected in the gender equality discourse. Organizing safe spaces for some trans, nonbinary and gender non conforming people. Binder drive: I was able to collaborate with an organization in the UK to get binders for trans and non binary people in Nigeria. Founded Òbòdò: Founded in December, 2022. Òbòdò is a youth-led organization that aims to use art, tech , safe spaces, outreaches and campaigns to advance LGBTQ+ rights and education.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I really enjoy dancing and connecting with people through food.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Nigerian Pidgin English (Intermediate)
- Yoruba (Intermediate)
- Igbo (Elementary)
- Nigerian Pidgin English (Intermediate)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Youth Participation and Leadership
- Colonialism
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- The SOGIESC Activist of the year by The Initiative for Equal Rights TIERS. (2020)
- MTV EMAs Generation Change Award (2021)
- GUAP & NATIVEMAG Blacklist (2022)
- The Future Award Africa Nomination for Leading Conversations (2020)
- Dazed100 ( 2021)
