The CEO of House Of Rainbow CIC, Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay British-Nigerian born in London, has revealed that he has been living with HIV for the past 17years.

The founding pastor of House of Rainbow, an organization focused on serving the spiritual needs of LGBT Africans in nine countries, made this known while sharing his testimony to encourage others that contracting the virus is not the end of life.

“Seventeen years ago, I was diagnosed with HIV.

“When I found out, I reacted so badly. I cried for days. I felt disgusted with myself. The guy I was so fond of and my regular sexual partner had infected me and he was no-where to be found after my diagnosis. At that point I hated him, but not anymore,” he said.

While acknowledging that once your status is revealed, it would always be followed by mix reactions; some would be extremely negative while other may be subtle, but he emphasised the need to be open.

“The first person I told, cursed me and called me a slut and said I deserved to die.

“A good friend responded differently. He took me to his house; he bathed me and gave up his bed for me. He promised me I will be okay. Before this I had been a good Christian boy married to a woman and had a family. But I was gay, now with HIV, I believed then that God was punishing me,” he continued.

However, Rev. Macaulay claimed living with his reality began to get better as he moved along and became more open as encouragements started pouring in for him.

“I started to think I would die but everyone assured me I would be ok. I started to be positive minded. When it came to HIV medication, I followed all the instructions. I was assured by my carers and counsellors to remain positive.

“I never told anyone in my family until summer 2019 when I told my cousin. Disclosure only happens when you are ready, you decide who when to share. I was under no pressure. But sharing with you cousin has changed my life.

“My greatest achievements and dreams are so far being fulfilled in these past 17 years. I have a job I love, I founded ‘House of Rainbow’ with activities in over 22 countries. I have attained two additional university degrees since my HIV diagnosis, and I am planning to enrol for a PhD. I have been to 50 countries. I have worked with many amazing people. I am the Chairperson of the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV in Europe. I am a Volunteer Chaplain at Mildmay Mission Hospital – a HIV care centre since the 1980s.

“I am an ordained clergy in the Anglican Church which I joined in 2010, seven years after my HIV diagnosis, trusting God towards priesthood.

“I refuse to give up, because HIV does not define me, you will live to declare the glory of God. Stay healthy and love yourself,” he concluded.

Reverend Jide Macaulay has been a Christian minister since 1998, a dynamic and an inspirational speaker, author, poet, pastor and preacher, HIV Positive Activist, holds a degree in Law, masters degree in Theology and Post-graduate certificate in Pastoral Theology.

Jide focuses his ministry on inclusion and reconciliation of sexuality, spirituality and human rights. He writes for various Christian and secular Journals. He has authored several books, Poetry Inspired 2001 and Pocket Devotion for LGBT Christians 2005, he has won several awards including the 2003 and 2007 Black LGBT Community Award for “Man of the Year” for his work helping people of faith.

Shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards 2014, in the category for Positive Role Model. He served from 2007 to 2013 as Executive Board member and Co Chair of Pan Africa International Lesbians and Gay Association.

He is currently Africa Regional Representative at the Global Interfaith Network, Board of Trustee at Kaleidoscope Trust UK, Chairperson INERELA+ Europe, nOSCARS Award winner 2014, 2017, 2018 and a Trained Volunteer Champion at Afruca Children’s Charity.