She He They, an LGBTQ movie series—seven episodes with a 10-15 minutes average run time—, is set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Lagos, Nigeria, offering a profound and empathetic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by the LGBTQ community in a society where their very existence is a rebellion against oppressive traditional ideals.
The series follows the dating lives, struggles, and personal growth of Reni (played by Funmbi Toye), a lesbian, and her three roommates—Imani, a Muslim lesbian (played by Amara Nnanna), Ijemma, a trans woman (played by the late Fola Francis) and Victor, a gay man (played by Abayomi Aka). Each character deals with their unique struggles related to their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Produced by The Initiative For Equal Rights (TIERS) and directed by Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim and Ayo Lawson, through the lives of these four housemates, we observe the intersectionality of identity, culture, and acceptance within a society that often marginalizes the LGBTQ community.
*Minor spoilers ahead.
The Characters
Reni
The series opens with Reni, an animator and a dark-skinned lesbian, in her new apartment. Seeking companionship in her empty five-room apartment, she interviews potential housemates, leading to her meeting Imani, Ijemma, and Victor. Reni’s story in the first season of She He They revolves around her love life with Amara, a closeted Christian lesbian who has a boyfriend just for the optics.
Reni stands out for her astute and bold demeanour, always standing up for her friends and her beliefs. Her relationship with Amara reveals how shallow the dating pool is for the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately for Reni, an openly gay woman, she falls for Amara, who believes that their lesbian relationship “isn’t real” and that they will eventually have to get married to men.
Ijemma
Ijemma is a trans woman working in an NGO, at the same time navigating hostilities directed at her because of her gender identity. Her initial nervousness when a Cis man shows interest in her adds a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by trans individuals in a nuanced and impactful way.
Amara
Amara is a lesbian but closeted due to fear of religious backlash. Her journey explores the tension between her Christian faith and personal happiness. Her relationship with Reni, accompanied by her inability to accept her identity due to her internalized homophobia almost forces members of the queer community to ponder on this dilemma: hold space for a queer lover yet to come out of the closet or date people who are solidly living in their queerness and are ready to celebrate their queer love as openly as is safe? By episode 7, Reni ultimately makes a decision.
Imani
A young, vibrant Muslim lesbian who flees from the conservativeness of Northern Nigeria in search of a life that feels more true to her. She leaves behind her girlfriend, whom she loves, and so goes through the highs and lows of maintaining a long-distance relationship. Imani’s story is one of resilience and finding a chosen family.
Victor
Victor is an out and very proud gay man. He not only infuses very much-needed comic relief into the show but inspires the audience to live boldly.
The Strengths of She He They
Cultural Context
‘She He They‘ does a commendable job of embedding the character’s stories within the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture. For instance, Imani is a Hijabi Muslim, while Reni’s mother (played by Nse Ikpe-Etim) is an Ifa worshipper. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities but also celebrates the cultural diversity within the Nigerian community.
Social Impact
The show is remarkable for its authenticity and sensitivity in bringing queer issues to the forefront, serving as an important catalyst for conversation and potential change—on consent, homophobia, transphobia, faith and police brutality —, challenging viewers to rethink prejudices and empathize with the struggles faced by the LGBTQ community.
In episode 5, a discourse between Ijemma and a colleague, prompted by hate directed towards Ijemma by her colleague’s girlfriend, addresses Chimamanda Adichie’s controversial statement about Trans Women.
Also, through Amara, we learn how pathetic and unfulfilling life can be when people vehemently deny their identity and how their self-denial hurts not only them but the people around them.
Character Development
The series excels in creating characters whose stories are heart-warming, heart-wrenching and inspiring. Each character’s journey is explored with nuance, making them relatable and compelling.
It’s impossible not to feel for Imani as she struggles with her long-distance relationship with Zainab (played by Abraham Serah)—who is still stuck at home in Kaduna, being forced by her parents to find a male suitor. While I try to root for them, the chemistry Imani has with Reni is palpable.
You feel for Ijemma, who believes the budding love she has with a cisgender man is “too good to be true”, and with that cliffhanger in the last episode (no spoilers!), you hate that this warm yet bright woman may be proven right. And sometimes, you will want to hug Amara, convince her to stop the ‘praying the gay away’ agenda, and get the orgasms she rightfully deserves.
From episodes 1 to 7, you witness how these five individuals, who were initially just roommates, build a beautiful bond and blossom into a family. Not unlike many chosen queer families today.
“She He They” is a bold and necessary addition to our National LGBTQ narrative, providing a rare and insightful glimpse into the lives of queer individuals in Nigeria. Although the heart of the story kept me fully engaged, the acting could have been more compelling to enhance the overall impact of the show. Still, its strengths far outweigh its minor flaws— making it a must-watch for anyone interested in human rights, love stories, and compelling drama. I have to admit, I enjoyed the show way more than I expected to. It not only entertains but also educates and inspires, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
