Funmi Iyanda gave me opportunity to disclose I’m gay – Bisi Alimi

Nigerian gay rights activist, Bisi Alimi, on Thursday recounted how he came how publicly about his sexuality on October 4, 2006 during a TV interview with media entrepreneur, Funmi Iyanda.

Alimi, who is counting down to his wedding in November, wrote on Instagram that the encounter with Funmi is one of 30 things he is grateful for.

“On the 6th October 2004, I sat on that sofa with Funmi Iyanda and I came out. I was a 29 years old boy, just graduating from university with a prominent role in ‘Roses and Thorns’ a soap series on Galaxy Television,” the now 41-year-old wrote.

“I lost everything after coming out, but I gained today. Life was preparing me for a journey beyond my expectations”.

Day 2 of 30 days to my wedding of 30 things to be grateful of. On the 6th October 2004, I sat on that sofa with Funmi Iyanda and I came out. She gave me the opportunity in no patronising nor condensing way to tell my story. On that day I learnt the power of truth and authenticity. I learnt that life is what you make of it. I was a 29years old boy, just graduating from university with a prominent role in ‘Roses and Thorns’ a soap series on Galaxy Television. I lost everything after coming, but I gained today. Life was preparing for a journey beyond my expectations. In 29 days, I will say I do to a man I have come to find solace in his arms. #gaymarriage #30daysofthankfulness #newdawnwithfunmiiyanda #comingout #lgbtcomingout #authenticity #ido

A photo posted by Bisi Alimi (Official) (@bisialimi) on Oct 6, 2016 at 12:14am PDT

The University of Lagos graduate became the first Nigerian gay man to appear on Nigerian national television as a guest on New Dawn with Funmi, a talk show on the NTA.

That same year, Alimi had been diagnosed with HIV, and on the show confirmed his homosexuality and asked for acceptance from the public.

His decision to come out of the closet generated both admiration and death threats.

Consequently, Alimi was disowned by his family and most of his friends – including some in the gay community – and ejected from his home.

He subsequently relocated to the UK.

Also, New Dawn’s live format was cancelled. Future guests on the pre-recorded version were screened by NTA executive producers to avoid what was considered “causing public offence”

In 2013, Funmi Iyanda opened up for the first time about losing her show after interviewing the young Alimi.

She said “Bisi and I did pay a hefty price for that action, he more than myself. Was it worth it? I’m afraid I have never had the luxury of absolute self-flagellation. What I do know is, at that moment, it felt right. And every moment since then, it has felt right.”

Alimi was recently in the news for attacking Nigerian cross-dresser, Bobrisky, for saying he was in support of the anti-gay law in Nigeria.

Bobrisky has since come out to apologise to the LGBT/HIV advocate for his offensive comments.

Alimi is set to marry his white partner, Anthony, in November.