In July 2021, I was detained by police officers for practising homosexuality. I believed my future had ended and that my parents would be left with only shame. The officers offered to release me in exchange for a bribe. I had no money. No hope. My only possession was my phone, I handed it over. Under my country's law, Section ***, homosexuality carries a penalty of death or up to 30 years imprisonment. I could not risk either outcome. I consider myself fortunate that it was police officers and not religious vigilantes who detained me. The latter have been known to use lethal violence that I can not imagine to myself. This transaction — exchanging personal property for safety — is a common survival strategy for gay men in my community, but not everyone is lucky enough, I was lucky enough. I did take down my profile picture and alter my name for safety.

Last year, I found out a family friend who is gay, I couldn't believe it, he is married with 3 kids but still enjoy dicks, unbelievable. I don't know that I know his holy secret and I do act normal around him. Guess how I got proof?, I opened fake account on Facebook (what a shame), then, go directly to approach him, and just like that, he was ready to share the bed with stranger. I feel happy to know that someone next to me understands what I feel, but we all live in fear of 'what if'. I hope you guys enjoy freedom out there.

This one is hard. At first I thought I shouldn’t be so open. Then I realized: hiding almost killed me. Maybe sharing will bring counsel that helps me survive. It was 2021. A few weeks before the final exams that would take me to university. One thing was clear: I wanted to be stroked as part of my preparation. Though I was in a boys’ boarding school, i could not let boys have a chance on me. since, I was respected as former chair of the religious association and General Secretary of student government. Yes, you read that right. Being gay didn’t stop me from leading prayers or running school politics. I was good at both. So I asked for 3 days leave to my aunt’s place. Far from school. The leave was rejected. I didn’t care. I was thirsty. Facebook was my tool. I found a light-skinned guy, Manly made. I couldn’t wait any longer. I went to his place. Small talk. Then I was all in. He fucked me like a criminal. Like an animal. Like my pleasure didn’t matter. It was rape. Nothing funny about it. After, he asked for money. I had none. So he told me to go test for HIV after one once, I was nervous. Why do that to an innocent soul? The story doesn’t end there. I went back to him, He and his friend stroked me again like i was addicted to it, No condom. Later I started getting sick. Fever. Hair on my pillow. My uniform hanging on my bones. Anxiety that wouldn’t sleep. God is good. Two month later, I went to test before joining three months compulsory military training, my blood was clean, NEGATIVE... I’m happy. I’m proud of the path I’ve walked. I’m cautious now. Please. Don’t be a heartless creature. Protect others.

I'm from Africa 26 years old, I love reading and discussion. Please anyone with passion like mine let's connect