#afro queer

Yan Daudu (singular: Dan Daudu) is group of effeminate homosexuals, transgender, transvestite and third gendered individuals in Fulani-Hausa mythology. Most Yan Daudu are born male, developed a feminine identity or present themselves as woman since very early age. Intersex individuals are known as “Matamaza” in Hausa.

They are often percieved as a male-bodied woman or third gender person in Hausa or Nigerian culture. They usually do cross-dressing and perform woman's role in their community. Yan daudu often refers to each other using feminine linguistic forms. Their most common professions are– small business, beautician, domestic service, dancing and singing, ritual specialist and prostitution.

Traditionally, Hausaland had great acceptance for queerness. Even after the arrival of Islam, Yan Daudu were well-integrated in Muslim-Hausa societies. They are primarily found in North Nigeria, Southern Niger [They may exists in Hausa communities of other West African countries]. Nowadays, Yan Daudu's existence is much stigma in the West African Muslim society due to radicalization of Islam and British colonialism.

Religion and Spirituality

Like many Africans, Yan Daudu follow a folk Islam or Hausa-Islamic syncreticism which combines elements of Islam and traditional Bori beliefs. Most Yan Daudu's lifestyle are heavily shaped by Hausa Islam. Many do wear Islamic clothing, perform hajj (Islamic pilgrimage) in Saudi Arabia.