The Equality Pathway

Building Resilient Queer Leaders: TEPI’s Engagement at the Osumare Leadership Forum

Building Resilient Queer Leaders: TEPI’s Engagement at the Osumare Leadership Forum

The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI) continues to champion the development of strong, resilient leaders within the queer community. Our recent engagement in the Osumare Leadership Forum, organized by The Rainbow Alive Health Initiative (TRAHI), reflects this commitment and highlights the importance of structured leadership development for young queer activists.

Team Lead, TEPI at the Osumare Leadership Forum Final Symposium

The Forum, which ran virtually over five months, convened 20 queer emerging leaders on a transformative journey of learning, mentorship, and practical application. It provided a dynamic space for participants to connect with experienced activists at both subnational and international levels, exchanging knowledge on leadership, resilience, and community impact.
A central component of the Forum was its mentorship program. Each participant was paired with an experienced activist who guided them through courses covering feminism, intersectionality, financial literacy, social media advocacy, stakeholder engagement, allyship, legal representation, and active listening

For TEPI, this was a critical aspect of the program, as we strongly believe that leadership must be grounded in both knowledge and lived experience. The mentorship model provided participants with the tools to strengthen their advocacy, deepen their understanding of intersectional issues, and build the practical skills required for effective community development.
The Forum also emphasized practical application through the SPOTLIGHT in Project, which offered seed funding and one-on-one support for participants to pilot their ideas. This hands-on phase enabled emerging leaders to put theory into practice, testing their initiatives and forming collaborative cohorts such as Queerbies and Rainbow Leaders.
This stage reinforced an important lesson: leadership is not only about learning concepts but also about implementing solutions that directly respond to the needs of our communities.

At the conclusion of the program, participants were assessed through reports and evaluations. Out of the 20 leaders, 10 including TEPI’s Team Lead, Miss Aliyah Baana were selected to travel to Lagos for the final symposium and dissemination. This achievement marked both personal and collective growth, showcasing the potential of queer youth when they are empowered with resources and support.

Why This Matters
The challenges faced by queer communities demand leaders who are resilient, knowledgeable, and equipped to navigate complex social realities. Programs like the Osumare Leadership Forum are vital in strengthening the next generation of queer activists and advocates.
For TEPI, engagement in this initiative affirms our vision: leadership development is community development. By investing in emerging leaders, we build movements that are sustainable, inclusive, and capable of driving meaningful social change.
At The Equality Pathway Initiative, we remain committed to nurturing and amplifying queer leadership. Our involvement in the Osumare Leadership Forum is not just a milestone, it is a reaffirmation of our belief that strong, resilient leaders are essential to advancing equality and creating a world where every person can live and thrive authentically.

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