James Nyumah, a 23-year-old resident of the ELWA Rehab community, has endured severe domestic violence and discrimination due to his sexual orientation. Living with his aunt and her Muslim husband since losing his father to a heart attack in 2017 and his mother during the civil war in 2003, James has faced a harrowing ordeal.
On his birthday, September 4, James invited his male partner to spend the night. Upon discovering this, his uncle violently assaulted him, destroying his belongings and beating him with a plank and a belt. His uncle’s sons joined in, kicking him in the stomach and hurling threats and insults at him. After an hour of torture, community members intervened and took James to the police station.
At the station, the police showed little concern for James’ plight, initially advising him to seek medical treatment. They registered his case the following day but did not take it seriously, with some officers making derogatory remarks about his sexual orientation. After receiving medical treatment, James returned home to find his belongings burned and thrown outside.
James sought refuge at a Catholic compound in Old Road but faced further harassment from a group of Muslim boys, including his uncle’s driver, who demanded that he be handed over. Fearing for the safety of others, the rector asked James to leave the facility. A priest friend in Barnesville Estate took him in, but after two nights, he pressured James into sexual activities, forcing him to comply under duress.
James’ uncle continues to make threatening calls, vowing to hunt him down. Fearing for his life, James calls on the national government to bring those responsible for his suffering to justice. He highlights the broader issue of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Liberia, where individuals face inadequate medical care, lack of police protection, and social ostracism.
James did not choose his sexual orientation and now fears for his safety. He urges the government to enact laws protecting all citizens, regardless of their social standing or sexual orientation, to ensure justice and safety for everyone in Liberia.
