There is no special regard for the Nigerian gay community applying for the United States visa, the United States Consular Chief in Nigeria, Will Laidlaw, stated during the week.
Laidlaw, who disclosed this during a tour of the United States Consulate by journalists in Lagos, stated the motive for organising the programme was to dispel some common myths Nigerians have about the United States visa procedure.
He noted that contrary to some people's belief that the United States might have special provision for gay people due to the United States' support for the group, the country had no such arrangement.
“We don’t have any special provision for the lesbo, gay, bis3xual and transgender community as per the visa application process. The procedure is the same with that of any other person. Though we believe in equal rights for all citizens, including the LGBT community, it is not a plus to anyone seeking to travel to the United States,” Laidlaw stated.
The Vice Consul, Amanda Roberson, advised Nigerians to be truthful while applying for the United States visa.
She stated there was no need for Nigerians to be desperate while seeking to travel to the United States and asked applicants to be honest while applying for visa.