So there’s this hot topic buzzing social media right now… You know how VeryDarkMan (VDM) has been on Bobrisky’s case lately, right? Plus, with Gistlover blog dropping those names of “gabriellas” recently, there’s been quite a stir about gender identity and social influence in Nigeria. Facebook and Twitter no dey calm at all! 😅
Looking forward to an upcoming, not so regular academic topic if you ask me: “Being Bobrisky Symposium: Agency, Subjectivity, and Politics” organized by The LSA African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and the University of Kansas, scheduled to hold via Zoom on 2nd of November 2024. That would be something else right? And here’s what got me writing: will VDM show up? 👀 See details of the announcement on Optimistic Scholar Blog,.
Let’s be real though, this is actually beyond Bobrisky. It’s more about how Nigeria is changing, how we’re having conversations we never used to have before. Whether we like it or not, Bobrisky has become a symbol of defiance against gender norms in Nigeria. Scholars are now gathering to discuss the complexities of agency and subjectivity and this I think will not just be the usual academic big grammars gathering, who knows, next will be project/dissertation topics about the influence of people like Bobrisky to society. A symposium like this can help us understand how influential celebrities like Bobrisky and the likes use their platforms to challenge societal expectations and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria. These kind of conversations can actually help build a more inclusive Nigeria, redefine self-expression and prepare us for the future.
If you’re interested in the conversation, not the drama… Just Register to participate
