11 writers have been shortlisted for the nonfiction writing competition for queer women from West Africa, curated by Unoma Azuah. The list includes writers from Bénin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria.

The submission was open to only queer women from West Africa. This included lesbian, bisexual and trans women from West Africa, either living in West Africa and or in the diaspora. An initial longlist of 22 authors was drawn from a pool of 50 submissions. The project was done in partnership with Women’s Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality (WISE Nigeria).

The winner will receive $1000, with the first runner up receiving $750, and the second receiving $500. Selected stories will be published in a collection titled Wedged Between Man and God, a creative non-fiction anthology of queer West African women’s stories.

Congrats to all the shortlisted writers! The winner will be announced shortly.

Longlist: Title, Author, Country

1. I want to, but not your kind of Marriage” by Vivian Nwachukwu (Nigeria).

2. “Suffocating in the Comfort of the Closet” by Tanamia Ilunga (Côte d’Ivoire)

3. “Shouting Myself Hoarse” by Delasi Sanenu (Ghana).

4. “Growing Wings” by Olaedo Obinze (Nigeria).

5. “Javelin” by Gsan Rolifane (Côte d’Ivoire).

6. “Ehi-A Bini Dyke” by Osazeme Oyegun (Nigeria/Mali).

7. “Hope Flies by a Girl Like Me” by Enyo Sela (Ghana).

8. “My Daddy’s Daughter” by Noni Salma (Nigeria)

9. “The End of a Tunnel” by Abalawa Solime (Benin Republic)

10. “I am Who I am” by Emmanuella Nduonofit (Nigeria).

11. “A Lonely Journey Through Self-Acceptance” by Lariba Johnson (Ghana).