Odell Norris, a young woman, managed to narrowly escape a harrowing death when an angry mob, fueled by accusations of her involvement in a same-sex relationship, set her residence ablaze. Tragically, her brother Prince Cole, who was asleep after a tiring shift, suffered burns as a result of the incident.
It all started when Andrew Myers, Odell’s fiancé, claimed to have caught her engaging in same-sex activities with her friend Tutu Gloria Jaleigba, causing great anger among the community residents who view such behavior as abhorrent.
Myers stated that he arrived at the VOA Community during the late evening hours to see his girlfriend, but to his astonishment, he saw the two young women (Odell and her friend) engaging in an intimate act.
The tension escalated, leading to a violent clash between Odell and her furious boyfriend who ran out to call in the community dwellers.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as filled with hostility, as the mob, driven by anger and hatred for LGBTQI+ individuals, were determined to deliver a deadly outcome as they set the house ablaze.
Nevertheless, the two women managed to flee through the rear exit, while Andrew rushed outside to alert the inhabitants, shouting at the highest volume. Regrettably, Prince awoke to the noise and fine himself engulfed in fire and suffered burns. However, he was rescued and transported to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Odell’s ordeal is a powerful indication of the dangers and terrible consequences encountered by LGBTQI+ individuals or those considering engaging in such condemned behavior.
To show how dangerous it is to a homosexual in Liberia the U.S. 2022 human rights report highlighted the harassment experienced by LGBTQI+ individuals in the country, explaining the terror people like Odell encounter; the report states:
“Violence against LGBTQI+ Persons: LGBTQI+ persons recorded instances of assault, harassment, and hate speech. The NGO Lesbian and Gay Association of Liberia reported 14 cases of abuse, including mob violence and assault. On July 13, local radio reported that several residents of Sinoe County threatened to kill “anyone involved with homosexuality.”
“LGBTQI+ victims were sometimes afraid to report crimes to the police due to social stigma surrounding sexual orientation and rape, as well as fear that police would detain or abuse them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
