A gospel musician has caused quite the stir in East Africa and beyond after he revealed he was gay.
Albert Nabonibo, 35, from Rwanda, came out on Monday in an interview on a Christian YouTube channel. The musician now says he is ready to face the backlash, reports BBC.
Mr Nabonibo said he was tired of living a lie, noting that there many men, some churchgoers, who were keeping their sexuality secret due to possible discrimination and fear for their lives.
“In fact, there are many like me, even in churches, the fact is that they hide it because of the mentality of the faithful and the community and for their safety.”
While Rwandan laws do not outlaw gay acts, same-sex marriages are prohibited and most churches in the mainly Christian country preach that homosexuality is a sin.
Nabonibo, who was born in Kacyiru suburbs of the capital Kigali, said it was time people to know that being gay was normal.
“I feel for others like me who live in fear. They should go out to be heard, because we have to be received like other people out here,” he said.
“Some people have insulted me, some have called me foolish and others called me stupid. But there are some who understand me – like my brother who has always encouraged me to be who I am.”
He said no amount of castigation would keep him from “singing for God”.
“I will live with those who accept me and those who reject me – I know it will be a daily battle.”
