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| John Dumelo |
Please learn from this one.
A few years ago we started exploring sexuality in Nollywood. It was a bold step. The fact that we had at least chosen to talk about it, think, and even
see it. We had movies like Mind Game ( where Van Vicker played a gay married man ) and Men in Love(where John Dumelo played the gay married man and late Muna Obiekwe played the gay man with the gay black magic) where we did more than just talk. In one of them, we potrayed homosexuality as an incident of a black magic and could be cured by prayers and deliverance. We potrayed gay men as weak, indecisive, unreliable, hidden, irresponsible, hurtful, disrespectful, closeted and everything less than admirable, fierce and equal human beings. In some way, this was good enough at the time because it was better than just being silent on the subject.
see it. We had movies like Mind Game ( where Van Vicker played a gay married man ) and Men in Love(where John Dumelo played the gay married man and late Muna Obiekwe played the gay man with the gay black magic) where we did more than just talk. In one of them, we potrayed homosexuality as an incident of a black magic and could be cured by prayers and deliverance. We potrayed gay men as weak, indecisive, unreliable, hidden, irresponsible, hurtful, disrespectful, closeted and everything less than admirable, fierce and equal human beings. In some way, this was good enough at the time because it was better than just being silent on the subject. 
But now it's 2015, and of course there are other diverging views on the subject which we all know should be considered. It's inaccurate to say that Nigeria is ready for a conversation on the subject. But on several levels she is ready to watch, to listen. In this light, I look forward to a Nollywood initiative to tackle the
theme of sexuality properly. An initiative that will be inspired by
truth, insight, research, real life, clear thought and with as little
prejudice as possible.The main challenge we have in the industry is that nobody wants to pass to the public as a gay rights activist because it will instantly translate that such a person is gay. When the above named movies came out, I recall the rumour that John Dumelo was really gay. It took a while for us to forget, even after he had explained over and over that he was just acting. Isn't it possible to see that gay people are actually people first, and that we can protect that part of them even while we learn to accept the other? Isn't it possible to stand for a person without being the person just because you are a person too?
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| Jussie Smollet |
One coming out story, I have fallen in love with is that of Jussie Smollet. He played the character of Jamal Lyon the gay son and eventual successor of Lucious Lyon in the American television series, Empire. His acting is fierce. His character is deep. I loved that the story of Empire was able to potray gay men as gifted, bold, decisive, loveable, friendly, loyal, delicate, humane and human. Amidst the remarkably gifted and ground breaking cast and crew of Empire, Jussie's acting nailed it, nailed it and nailed it.
Of course, there was the aftermath of suspicion that Jussie might be gay. However, it was more of a question than an assumption. It was on the table not shoved in his face. And for a while he decided not to attend to it. It would have earned him all the applause and admiration in the world if he came out on air. But he remained silent...the kind that made the crowd go crazy. It seemed that he was either straight or simply wanted to remain in his closet.
Eventually, he spoke with Ellen DeGeneres backstage on the subject after a public discussion with. That's where and when he made his statement.:
Sourced from: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2015/03/09/empire-star-jussie-
"There's never been a closet. That I've been in. I don't own a closet, I got a dresser, but I don't have a closet, but I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home. ... So that's why I choose not to talk about my personal life. But there is without a doubt, no closet that I've ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear, but it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that's where I'm at. ... So, let's not read into it in the wrong way when I say that I don't talk about my personal life, I'm saying that. But it is in no way to hide or deny who God made me. You know? My mama knows. My mama likes me a lot. And, yes, I take her to the Sound of Music sing-along every single year. So, any questions? But honestly, we're human and we love and we do all that good stuff. So I'm honored for this opportunity and I'm honored to be here with you."
Very similar to the African story, no one person lives for himself. No one family lives for itself either. Even while a person's sexuality is a gift, it is a flame that could destroy the peace, sanity and stability in a person's life. Often we are tempted to tread the path of the sole survivor and bear it all alone or break it out too suddenly. Most of the time, these extreme choices are not good enough. But then, we have stories to learn from and as such we have better chances than there use to be to live the good life. Nobody said there won't be sacrifices or disappointment or prejudice and perhaps all of them at once. But there is also that chance that you could be who you are in your home, in your world, open but discpline, free but respectful, daring but decent, sexy but smart. No one said that your sexuality has to be hurricane and deny you a fruitful and productive relationship with God, your career or your family or friends, unless
you let it.
Even as we forge towards initiating a dialogue let's be sure and mindful of what to say and how to say it. The community, life and existence is still not at it 's best. It may not be any time soon. But, Alhamdullilah, it keeps getting better. Be good to yourself and to everyone who means light an happiness to you and those to whom you are same. Your gift isn't a spear, it's your secret to keep, weild or share.
This isn't an argument. It's a fact.Warm regards,
Nnanna.
P.S. I'm still completely crazy about Empire. Season 2 feels like a bigger blast! Can't wait. Can't wait.
Sources:
Allison Takeda. Jussie Smollett Addresses Gay Rumors, Speculation About His Sexuality: "There's Never Been a Closet"http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jussie-smollett-addresses-gay-rumors-says-theres-no-closet-201593
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