Naddy Vidot – Gay/Queer He/Him, Seychelles
How do you celebrate PRIDE, and what does it mean to embrace the LGBTQI+ community?
I celebrate by uplifting the pride of others, utilising my platform and privilege to help us move as a united community. If we, as a society, cannot live free and proud, then we should be working towards the collective goal of embracing and uplifting the most marginalised amongst us. What I have done, through LGBTI Sey and with the support of our partners, is to set up the first LGBTQI+ film festival in Seychelles, and we are advocating for Hate Crimes Legislation. People should feel seen, and people should feel protected under the law.
For someone who isn’t out yet, what advice would you give them for them to be their authentic self?
Learn to love and accept yourself. When you are ready to come out, reach out to those close to you and create or look for a support network; take things at your own pace. Get to know the stories of those who have gone through something similar- and always remember you are loved and not alone.
What is an issue the LGBTQI+ community is facing that many people might not know about?
There is a lot of division and lack of acceptance, sometimes from within the community and a lot from the wider community, people we have to interact with. The percentage of those who are LGBTQI+ that experience bullying that leads to suicide is too high, especially those who do not conform to the gender assigned at birth. One must ask oneself, what am I doing to be part of the solution and not part of the problem- lack of action does not equate to helping the community or being an ally.
How can allies make an impact this month to support the LGBTQI+ community?
Engage with your local LGBTQI+ community and ask them- what can I do to bring attention and urgency to help with short-term and longer-term goals? Listen and take the time to understand the needs of your local community. Also, being an ally can be as small as calling out your friends when they say something homophobic or transphobic, engaging with your workplace about diversity training etc. Actual change begins in the hearts and minds of people.
What is your message to African queer youth this Pride Month?
Be proud and celebrate who you are and all the elements that make you unique. There is magic in being African and queer; don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise.
