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Article published In: Pragmatics in African Contexts
[Pragmatics and Society 17:2] 2026
► pp. 175–195

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Stances and ideologies in Nigerian pro-gay tweets

A linguistic perspective

ORCiD logo with link | Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and TechnologyIkere-Ekiti
Published online: 25 April 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ps.24028.oye
Abstract
Same-sex sexuality is an important topic worth consideration, especially in Africa, where this is still highly taboo. As a result of subsisting homophobia in the Nigerian public sphere, social media provides a space for collective queer voices. Queer studies in the Nigerian context have mainly been sociological and legalistic. However, linguistic studies on the media representation of same-sex sexualities have explored how heteronormativity is accentuated, without adequate attention paid to how sexual minorities have also used language to emphasize their attitude about their situation in Nigeria. Drawing on the appraisal framework, this study examines the stances in pro-queer tweets on X by considering discourses from #EndHomophobiaInNigeria, which trended on Nigerian Twitter in 2020. Findings revealed that words, clauses, and other discursive strategies construe LGBTQ+ people as unhappy and resilient.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
  • 3.Methodology
  • 4.Analytical framework
  • 5.Data analysis and findings
    • 5.1Affect in pro-gay tweets
      • 5.1.1Affect: Insecurity foregrounding the need for liberation and queer visibility
      • 5.1.2Affect: Unhappiness showing victimization
      • 5.1.3Affect: Happiness/Affection
    • 5.2Judgement in pro-gay tweets
      • 5.2.1Judgement: Social esteem foregrounding tenacity
      • 5.2.2Judgement: Social esteem/normality
    • 5.3Appreciation in pro-gay tweets
      • 5.3.1Appreciation: Valuation/inequality and resistance
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
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