Jide has been an openly gay British-Nigerian Christian minister since 1998. ‘For a while, I found it difficult to navigate being Black African, gay and religious. I know how hard it can be to find self-acceptance, that’s why I founded House of Rainbow.’
His ministry focuses on inclusion and helps people bring together their sexuality and spirituality. He was diagnosed with HIV in 2003 after a routine check-up and described it as being ‘hit with a shock’.
‘At that moment, everything was clouded. I didn’t know how I was going to tell other people so I kept it to myself. I was in a lot of pain. Through educating myself on the facts about HIV, I learned to come to terms with my diagnosis and become a voice in my community.’
Jide wants to change the conversation on HIV, especially in faith communities, and work towards a stigma-free society.
'I think it is important for me to use my own experiences to encourage religious leaders and communities with little knowledge of HIV to educate themselves so we can challenge stigma. The stigma and shame that is assigned to us by ourselves and others are incredibly harmful and we must do everything we can to eradicate it. HIV should just be viewed the same as any other virus.
‘I am a Black African man. I am gay, I am an Anglican priest and I have lived with HIV for almost two decades. I’m so proud to be all of these things, but I’m especially proud to be helping people on their journey of reconciling faith and sexuality.’
