An exploration of queerness in contemporary Nigerian literature

This dissertation presents the different ways in which queerness is explored in contemporary Nigerian literature. In the first chapter I offer an overview on queer theory, with the aim of providing useful tools for the subsequent analysis of the novels. In the second chapter, I provide a deep insight into the current political and sociocultural context of Nigeria, in order to understand the forces that shape queerness in the country. Chapter three, four and five are dedicated to the analysis of three different contemporary novels written by Nigerian authors. The first is Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh, which explores the life of a homosexual young man in present Nigeria. The second is titles Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta and explores the life of a young homosexual girl grappling with her sexual awakening, heteronormative expectations and religious beliefs. The third novel is The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi and centres on a gender non-conforming character who defiantly embraces his queerness notwithstanding the potential dangers and the negative reactions.