012: My Last Pulpit - LGBTQ+ Activism — with Mr. John Adewoye Living African

As mentioned in episode eight, last year - we got mixed feedback about the series of episodes we did with members of the LGBTQIA+ community to honor Pride Month. But in alignment with the goal of this podcast, not everyone will like every topic we talk about, especially topics that make people uncomfortable.

You see, growing up, most of our parents never educated us on sex, relationships, and marriage because they believed that talking about it meant that they were encouraging us to do it. The truth is that as adults, many of us wish we had this education when we were younger. Also, whether they spoke to us about it or not, that didn’t mean sex and/or relationships weren’t still happening behind their backs.

Using the same logic as the sex/relationship talk, whether we agree (or not) to educate ourselves about the lgbtqia+ community, or think that acknowledging them means encouraging their “practices” (as some people call it) in our African community, one FACT still remains: the lgbtqia+ community exists in the African community whether we agree or not. They are actually close family and friends and you may not even know it. You don’t have to agree with them or their values, but you should respect them for who they are and how they choose to live their life, just like you will expect to be respected. We can always agree to disagree in love and respect! I learnt a lot from this episode and hope you do too.
Meet Our Guest:
Mr. John Adewoye was born in Kwara State Nigeria and was the last child of the 4 surviving children of his parents. 
“Surviving” characterized his life story from his teenage years till he was 40 years old because of my sexual orientation. The struggle was really intense for him throughout his elementary school years where he was nicknamed "obinrin" meaning a girl because of his effeminate behavior. The teenage years were particularly traumatic for him because neither he nor those who bullied me had a name for what set him apart from other boys. No one addressed this issue with him as would have been today; not even his parents. 
At age 40, he came to the US in pursuit of conversion therapy, where he came to the realization that he needed no cure but self-acceptance. 
As a then-priest, he also got to be aware of the fact that he need to leave the Priesthood to keep his self-acceptance, grow in it and share it. He decided to come out and stay as a visible example for those who may need his evidence in their personal struggles as homosexuals. 
Mr. Adewoye has been happily married to his partner Adebayo John Omoworare since 2016. He is happy with his life and desires the same for everyone.
 
Things You Will Learn in This Episode: 
[00:01 – 03:00] Introduction
Introducing our guest - Mr. John Adewoye [03:00 – 30:00] Mr. John Adewoye Shares His Journey 
Life growing up in Nigeria Going to seminary school His work as a priest in Nigeria Coming to America His work in the LGBTQ+ Community Awards & Recognitions [30:00 – 50:00] Life In America & Activism
Finding his purpose in America Activism and advocacy for African LGBTQ+ people Advising the African community How to get in touch with Mr. John Adewoye [50:00 – 57:34] Final Words
Mr. John Adewoye final words Anyoh’s final words  
Tweetable Quotes
“When we try to conform to the pressure of the society, it lead to  some women to marry the man they weren't really attracted to. It has led some men to marry women who they aren't attracted and that has led to raise suffering of the people we should love.” - Mr. John Adewoye
 
“So it is our duty, though we may not accept or support - it's our duty to educate ourselves so that we can respect them, because regardless of our beliefs, we must respect them first and foremost, as humans, we must respect one another.” - Anyoh Fombad
 
“So either gay or straight - the most important thing for me, is whatever I can do for humanity. And that is what I se