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\u00a0<\/p>\n The following report was originally published by\u00a0Rightify Ghana<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Ghanaian transgender musician and human rights activist\u00a0Angel Maxine<\/strong> has released a striking new protest song and short film titled \u201cCoward\u201d \u2014 a fearless artistic statement that exposes the hidden violence, blackmail, and hypocrisy endured by queer people in Ghana<\/a>.<\/p>\n Maxine is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQI+ rights. Through her art, she challenges societal hypocrisy, calls for justice, and transforms personal struggle into collective empowerment. Maxine\u2019s work has made her one of the most visible and courageous queer voices in West Africa\u2019s creative and activist landscape.<\/p>\n \u201cCoward\u201d opens with a powerful declaration that immediately frames the tone of defiance and truth-telling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cSince the introduction of the Ghanaian Anti-LGBTQ Bill, fear has forced many into hiding. Behind closed doors, DL (down low) men and women exploit and betray the very queer people they desire. Blackmail. Attacks. Betrayal. This is our reality and this is our protest. It is a protest against shame, secrecy, and fear. It is an affirmation that love deserves the light,\u201d says an opening text crawl.<\/p>\n Produced under the banner of\u00a0Amplified Voices Initiative Ghana, \u201cCoward\u201d serves as both music and manifesto. Directed by Nana Abena Sika and filmed by Sosa, the short film interweaves real-life accounts of violence against queer people in Ghana, including footage of recent attacks where victims were lured through social media, assaulted, robbed, blackmailed, and humiliated.<\/p>\n The images in the video are graphic and violent, and viewer discretion is advised.<\/p>\nExposing the Faces Behind Fear and Violence<\/strong><\/h3>\n