Actress and singer, Ashionye Michelle Raccah, has said that homosexuality is not a disease and that Nigerians need to wake up to the reality that homosexuals are human beings as well.
Ashionye said this to QedTV at the premiere of Funmi Iyanda’s movie, Walking with Shadows. Speaking at the premiere of the movie which is about a married man whose wife later found out he was gay, Ashionye said people need to realize that a person is not made to be gay but is born gay.
“It’s high time we began to accept every human being irrespective of their sexuality. I’m a human being whether I am straight or gay. It’s high time we began to realise that we are basically just one and we shouldn’t judge. I know we have this 14 year sentencing in Nigeria but then again you can’t change a person whoever he or she is.
“Some people say being gay is made, you become gay. I don’t believe that. I believe someone who is gay is born that way, that’s who the person is, and it is not a disease. It is not something to be afraid of. t is not something to judge” she said.
Asked if she will accept her child if he or she grows up to be gay, Ashionye responded
If you are born straight, that’s who you are. If I am born lesbian, that’s who I am. I did not become lesbian. Like I said, it’s not a disease. I have people close to me, family and close friends, who are actually homosexual men and queer women and I absolutely love them. To be honest, I have a lot of male friends who are actually homosexuals and they give the best advice. They love me for who I am and I absolutely love them for who they are”.
When asked if she supports the repeal of the 14 year jail penalty for any homosexual caught in the act, she said
”Yes! Why should we judge people for who they are. Why should we crucify people for who they are. Like I said, it’s not a disease. It is not a crime. If a man or woman is being judged for being queer or being gay, then why am I not being judged for being straight?
