- HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - When Feeling Most Vulnerable, My Mom Was a Gift with Guest West African Journalist Chisom Peter Job 21:22
Life sometimes has a funny way of turning out. Sometimes a dire situation presents itself and the outcome is much better than we could have ever imagined. In this particular case, it took a mother to show her true love, courage and support and possibly willingly risk jail time to prove to her son that she loved him with her whole heart.
While convalescing at home, Chisom finally was courageous enough to come out to his loving parents. Bedridden and home bound after his initial collapse, he was convinced it was time to open up to his parents about his sexuality. At a most vulnerable time in his life, he was scared and nervous about telling his parents the truth, that he was gay. He was certain that both his parents loved him unconditionally but was afraid this was going to be too much for them. “Knowing that my parents loved me so much, made it that much easier to come out to them and be open with them,” added Chisom. His mother’s response was ” I know, I’ve always known,” says my guest.
On a grander scale, writing a personal essay about being a member of the LGBTQ community and having his story published in the NY Times Modern Love Column was frighting. Possibly the whole world could read it and find out the truth, that Chisom was a member of the gay community. Chisom’s essay is an endearing story of his parent’s love for their son. His mother, who’s name is Gift, is exceptionally open and honest and loving of her son, regardless of his sexual preference. One can only hope, that everyone struggling with coming out to their loved ones, will receive the same openness and acceptance.
Chisom’s message to his mother “You are a rock star. You are a gift to me. And I love you very much. Words can’t describe how much I love you and how much you mean to me. Everything I do, I do it for you. You are always there for me and you always support me. You always tell me to shoot for the stars”.
**In February 2021, Chisom has hired to be the Deputy Editor and Culture and Technology reporter of @Livingfree_UK. https://livingfreeuk.org/
“Living Free UK is a registered community interest company founded in 2018 out of the struggles of millions of LGBTIQ+ Africans who are still battling with their sexuality and gender identity, especially in countries where it is still illegal to live their truth and in some cases lose their lives while trying to find liberty and acceptance.
Our main aim is to provide support and validate the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ Africans, people seeking asylum, and refugees. As research shows, there are 72 countries where homosexuality is still a crime and even in the UK, LGBTIQ+ Africans experience immense difficultly when finding a safe space to express themselves freely and openly without fear of racism, afrophobia, or prejudice of any kind. Some are also unable to return home because of the danger that awaits them.
**Now a budding journalist and recent nominee for a journalistic award- this is from Chisom’s LinkedIn Acct. (March 2022)
“Yesterday was the Future Awards Africa, and I was nominated for the journalism prize and was also the second youngest nominee in the awards. While I didn’t win, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be seen.
As a young journalist covering policies and minority groups in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, the work I do can be pretty dangerous, but getting nominated for this is a “stepping stone,” as my ma put it. Also, I did receive a certificate of nomination, so yay!!
Here is to more extraordinary things in 2022 and beyond because I am just getting started.”
The Act to Make Provisions for the Prohibition of Relationship Between Persons of the Same Sex, Celebration of Marriage by Them, and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, also known as the Same Sex (Prohibition) Act 2006, was a controversial draft bill that was first put before the both houses of the National Assembly of Nigeria in early 2007. Seven years later, another draft was passed into legislation by president Goodluck Jonathan as the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013
**Link To March 2022 NY Times Modern Love Essay: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/11/style/modern-love-heart-attack-gay-nigeria.html?
Twitter: @peterjob_
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