Every African Queer Person Needs Money For Emergencies

This week, I am reminding myself and you that survival does not require us to shrink. We don’t have to beg people to see our humanity. We do not have to compromise our way of life with families, cultures, or religions that are unwilling to change. As queer Africans, we've learned to be careful and brave at the same time. I'm still dreaming and building, and I'm also making progress with a strength that can't be taught, copied, or understood.

Take care of your heart, your peace, and your future. What you're building for yourself is bigger than the fear you grew up with.

 Anyone can get through chaos, but you need to make plans to make your life worth living.

This week, sit down and ask yourself one question:

What will I need to do to make my life safer, softer, and more stable, not just now but also in the future?

Your independence isn't selfish; it's liberation; your boundaries aren't tough; they're necessary; and your safety isn't paranoia; it's strategy.

This week, choose peace for the long term over approval for the short term.

Your situation can deteriorate overnight if you are queer and African, regardless of your location in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, London, Berlin, or any other part of the diaspora.

One rumour, one dispute, one betrayal in the family, and one workplace micro aggression that escalates.

Our identities are politicized, which means that our stability is always at risk. That's why having an emergency fund isn't just good financial sense; it's a survival strategy. It's how you stay safe, how you stay independent, and how you stay alive.

Religious policing, emotional abuse, threats of eviction, and other forms of danger are the reality for many queer Africans growing up. 

If you have emergency money, you're never really stuck. You can leave, move, or even just disappear if you have to. Taking care of yourself isn't dramatic; it's necessary.

It goes like this: “You weren't a good fit for the company's culture. We're restructuring. We can't renew your contract right now.”

Sometimes the discrimination is clear, and sometimes it's not. Either way, many of us live with the daily risk of losing our jobs suddenly.

Having money saved up for three to six months gives you breathing space, which is something queer Africans don't get commonly.

People who live with you, rent from you, or even just next door can use homophobia against you.
Additionally, when housing becomes unsafe, it becomes urgent. When life gives you ultimatums, an emergency fund gives you options.

Let's face it, most queer Africans cannot go back to their families. They don't get any support or consolation; there's no “stay with us until you figure things out.”

The safety net that you were never given is your emergency fund.

Having financial stability gives queer people the ability to set boundaries, walk away, and choose settings that respect our humanity.

Being independent protects us from vulnerability.

What amount should you aim for? Start small: £50 to £100 for the first goal; next, cover your costs for one month; and finally, save for three to six months.

Speed doesn't matter as much as consistency.

Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund: Keep it separate, private, and easy to get to. A savings account, a digital bank, or a high-yield account (if one is available) are all good places to keep your fund. No one else should be able to access this fund; it's only for you.

Set up an automatic transfer of at least £10 a week. Get small side jobs like editing, digital work, or working from home. Sell things you don't use. Spend less on things that you do not need. Think of this fund as your financial seatbelt.

Queer Africans aren't weak; we're smart. Survival isn't luck; it's planning.

If someone got angry or suspicious, what part of my life would fall apart? How can I better protect myself? You don't need fear to guide you, but you do need to be aware.

It is my birthright to be safe, and I am responsible for my future. I deserve stability, protection, and peace.

If no one has told you this already, your life is worth protecting, your peace is worth planning for, and the future you're building with bravery and strategy is worth everything you give up.

Don't feel alone or helpless. Furthermore, don't worry about not being ready; you're taking things one step at a time to get ready.

Today, start an emergency fund, no matter how small it is. You will thank yourself later for being responsible, aware, and brave.

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Thank you for reading and for being here for yourself, our community, and this space we're making together. 

In addition to stability and safety, you deserve a life that doesn't need your silence to work.

Plan to take care of yourself, move with clarity, and never say sorry for putting your safety first.

Until next week, stay hydrated, moisturized, and unbothered.

Charles