Homosexuality, Molestation and Murder in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1

Abstract

This paper looks at the issues of homosexuality, molestation and murder in the film October 1 produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan in 2014. It will argue that, though, homosexuality does not have an overbearing presence as a theme in the film, it is significant to the whole narrative. Also, it will attempt to provide answers to the following questions and more.

1. How are homosexuality, molestation and murder constructed in the film?
2. Who are the practitioners of homosexuality, molestation and murder in the film?
3. What is the significance of homosexuality, molestation and murder narrative in the film?
4. What is the relationship between homosexuality, molestation and murder in the film?

In this paper we adopt queer narrative and socio-political realism as theoretical frameworks in the analysis of October 1. We argue that though, homosexuality is regarded by Nigerian government as a criminal act and those involved risk a jail term of at least 14 years, the practice is no longer a closeted affair but one that has assumed a vantage position in Nigerian popular narrative. The twenty-first century has seen more resourcefulness and engagements in the clamour for rights of marriage and social acceptance by the group known as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) in United State of America (USA) and Europe. These volatile domestic and political engagement in the West, find representation in Nigeria and other parts of Africa by bringing to the fore right groups who are canvasing for legislation supporting LGBT rights in the continent.