27-year-old Bolu Okupe, the son of anti-LGBTQ Nigerian career politician Dr Doyin Okupe, recently shared a shirtless picture of himself holding a rainbow flag and writing: “Yes I’m Gay AF.”
Speaking to Attitude about the reaction to his post, he said:
“I’ve had mixed reactions, many negative, as you can imagine, but also a whole deal of positive.
“I think it’s shined a light to issues that we have been avoiding in Nigeria. There are gay men there who exist and they deserve the same respect and treatment as everyone else.”
His father’s response, as you can imagine, was less than enthusiastic.
I have been aware of this his new orientation for a while now.
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) January 21, 2021
He knows that as a Christian and a witness for Christ ( an evangelist) I am vehemently opposed to homosexuality as it runs contrary to the avowed precepts of my Christian faith.
For me I look beyond the surface or the physical. Here I see a major spiritual challenge ahead but I know as my God liveth, this whole saga will end up in Praise to the Almighty Jehova who i serve day and night.
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) January 21, 2021
via Attitude:
Asked what people can do to support LGBTQs in Nigeria, Bolu told us: “There a many things that people can do to help LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria but mostly it will revolve around finances: 70% of Nigerians live in poverty and this usually makes younger kids or adults have to depend on their families or parents for sustenance.
“This is why a lot of Nigerians find it hard to come out, because there is a risk of being ostracized and abandoned by their families. This is why I have decided to create and start working on some kind of charity or foundation that can offer financial aid or even relocation aid for young queer people living in Nigeria and hopefully all over Africa.”
Welcome to the fam, Bolu!
