Simi apologies to LGBTQ community for homophobic comments

Popular Nigerian singer, Simi has just tendered an apology to the LGBTQ community in Nigeria for the homophobic comments she made earlier this year.

LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or queer).

Earlier this year, Simi during her Youtube show, Stoopid Sessions had said homosexuality is not natural.

She said: “They say they’re born that way, but I haven’t seen any biological proof,”

The comment had drawn widespread criticism among the LGBTQ community, with Bisi Alimi notably slamming her on social media. He said that Simi is a hypocrite for sympathising with abroad blackness while ‘promoting local homophobic violence against their own’.

Today, 3rd August 2020, Simi has now taken to her Twitter page to apologise for the earlier comments. According to her, she carelessly addressed the issue which is a matter of life and death.

Stating that she had no intention to hurt, she revealed that she is in a learning phase, and though she understands discrimination as a woman, she doesn’t have a full grasp on the unique ways the LGBTQ community experiences it.

Simi wrote on Twitter; “To members of the LGBTQ community -Nobody deserves hate like you’re often given. Nobody should have to live in fear. I carelessly and casually addressed an issue that is a matter of life and death for many. It was not my intention to hurt you, but I did and I’m sorry

At first, I didn’t understand your anger, because I honestly thought I was admitting to and questioning my bias. I believed you misunderstood me, so I wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I found out someone was almost killed very recently because they are a member of the LGBTQ community. This, and the knowledge of those globally who have died or been hurt for similar reasons, has humbled me. I see how the things we say, even without meaning to, can encourage prejudice. Your life is bigger, by far, than my pride. So I’m really, really sorry.

“As a woman, I understand discrimination, but I realize I may not understand the unique ways the LGBTQ community experiences it. I am learning, but I’m sorry that this time, I did so at your expense.”