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''Being #gay is an honor and a beautiful life #jesus never condemn gay people in the new testament so if you a good christian you wont too or can a servant be greater than his master. Criticize your G.O for having private jet when millions of his #church members are poor and unemployed, criticize them for collecting tithe during covid19'' Source

What the heck is happening here?

A mother-of-two, Takieyah Reaves, from Newark, New Jersey, now lives with her intestines hanging out of her abdomen after surviving a horrific nightclub shooting. Reaves, 32, defied death in July 2017 to survive being shot twice on her stomach and right leg by a random attacker who sprayed bullets at a crowd of night clubbers, injuring three people. One of the bullets tore her stomach wide open, and it was a miracle that she survived after undergoing intensive surgery to repair her damaged intestines. After doctors stitched her up, the size of the wound on her stomach made it impossible to close, forcing her to live with a gaping hole on her torso and with the inside of her intestines fully exposed. Her scar looks so big that some people even mistake it for a pregnancy. Takieyah was nursed by her mother Tammi Reaves-Duncan as she recovered, she even entered into depression due to her "deformity." Takieyah, a criminal justice student, said to Metro UK: ‘It will get patched up properly, but it has been left open and exposed ever since it happened. It bulges and I am constantly asked if I am pregnant when I go out. People ask me if it’s a boy or a girl and I then have to explain everything.’ Takieyah lost 4.5 liters of blood and defied death to survive the shooting. Takieyah continued: ‘I wasn’t supposed to make it out of hospital alive, my family were told to say their goodbyes. I am so grateful to still be here and be given a second chance at life, but I can’t help feeling depressed by how I looked." ‘I kept my stomach hidden from everyone for a long time, even from my kids. I was so depressed by my body, I had scars all over and I hated it. ‘I just wanted to curl up in a ball and hide and I was scared to go outside because of guns on the street. " I also didn’t want anyone to see my body so I found it hard to live my life as normal." Doctors created a makeshift lining for Takieyah’s stomach by using skin from her leg. ‘It has changed my life but I am so grateful I am still able to raise my kids. I was depressed for a while but I decided that I couldn’t go on like that for their sake. ‘I do want my body back but I see them as my war scars. People tell me how beautiful I am and I have learned to embrace what happened.’ After three years of living with an open wound, Takieyah is due to have her stomach stitched back together for good, at the end of June this year. Takieyah speaking about the day she was shot: ‘I thought I was dying and I was so scared about leaving my kids without a mom. It was super scary and really painful, it felt like fire was running through my veins. ‘I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, the guy was firing off gunshots and I was stood in the doorway. I didn’t even realize I had been shot at first, but then I collapsed. ‘I was in the doorstep of the club when I got shot. I remember feeling very tired, like I wanted to go to sleep. My friend Lavona kept telling me to keep my eyes open and listen to the voices.’ ‘I lost 4.5 liters of blood and my doctors told me my heart stopped on the operating table, but I came back. I had surgery to remove the bullets but they had to leave my stomach open like this" Source

June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBT communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement. Most Pride events take place each year in June, although some cities hold their celebrations at other times of the year. Who celebrates it? Pride events are geared toward anyone who feels like their sexual identity falls outside the mainstream -- although many straight people join in, too. LGBT is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The term sometimes is extended to LGBTQ, or even LGBTQIA, to include queer, intersex and asexual groups. Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people; intersex refers to those whose sex is not clearly defined because of genetic, hormonal or biological differences; and asexual describes those who don't experience sexual attraction. These terms may also include gender fluid people, or those whose gender identity shifts over time or depending on the situation. How did it start? In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village, and began hauling customers outside. Tensions quickly escalated as patrons resisted arrest and a growing crowd of bystanders threw bottles and coins at the officers. New York's gay community, fed up after years of harassment by authorities, broke out in neighborhood riots that went on for three days. The uprising became a catalyst for an emerging gay rights movement as organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance were formed, modeled after the civil rights movement and the women's rights movement. Members held protests, met with political leaders and interrupted public meetings to hold those leaders accountable. A year after the Stonewall riots, the nation's first Gay Pride marches were held. In 2016 the area around the Stonewall Inn, still a popular nightspot today, was designated a national monument. Where did the Pride name come from? Pride marchers on June 25, 2017, in Istanbul, Turkey. The 2017 LGBT Pride March there was banned by authorities, but organizers defied the order before being dispersed by police and tear gas. It's credited to Brenda Howard, a bisexual New York activist nicknamed the "Mother of Pride," who organized the first Pride parade to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. What's the origin of the rainbow flag? In 1978, artist and designer Gilbert Baker was commissioned by San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk -- one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US -- to make a flag for the city's upcoming Pride celebrations. Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, gave a nod to the stripes of the American flag but drew inspiration from the rainbow to reflect the many groups within the gay community. A subset of flags represent other sexualities on the spectrum, such as bisexual, pansexual and asexual. Can I participate in Pride events if I'm not LGBT? Sure. Pride events welcome allies from outside the LGBT community. They are opportunities to show support, to observe, listen and be educated. Source

Ilé Eros is a polished casual dining restaurant which is a blend of fine dining and casual dining. I remember back in the days of the Dodo Special era by Chef Eros at La Saison Café so not surprised he has brought back this aspect of his culinary journey in addition to his cakes – Cookie Jar. Ile simply means home so its House/Home of Eros or perhaps if you like Casa Eros. Ile Eros is located off one of the busy streets in Lekki Phase 1 and that in itself is not so bad as it’s not deep in the neck of the woods in terms of access. The décor at Ile Eros has a traditional feel to it with Ankara curtains, local wall décor and some art paintings which are sparsely spread out in the space. There is a Patio outside with some fans which I think is ideal for evening rocks. The internal seating area at Ile Eros is quite limited and reservations are highly recommended. The Dambunama rolls and the Akara coconut prawns Mains - Steak jollof rice and smoked chicken pasta Ile Eros Summary Ambience African inspired decor. Cosy and intimate space with a well-aired patio Food Quality The Smoked Pasta I’ll rank as the star dish at Ile Eros followed by the Pureed Asaro and then the Steak Jollof Rice. The portions are big enough and tasty. Location Limited parking available. More of street parking Price Choice of Two Starters ₦3,750 Steak Jollof Rice ₦5,500 and Smoked Chicken Pasta ₦4,200 View Full Menu here Service Delivery The staff were polite and attentive. The service was a little slow but we were a large party so that is understandable. Loved it. Source

Your friend knows you and your partner are in a relationship.

President Muhammadu Buhari has noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019. Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property. President Buhari has also dispatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation. The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019. Source

The Omu of Anioma, Martha Dunkwu, is a revered traditional ruler of Anioma land, which covers nine local government areas in Delta State. Anioma people are the Igbo located in Delta, who are separated from the Igbo in the South-East by the River Niger. Dunkwu tells OCHEI MATTHEW about the historical background of the Omu, its spirituality and others What has been the most interesting part of being the monarch? The most interesting part is the fact that the throne is indigenous to Anioma people. The two titles of Omu: Omu queen mother and Eze Nwayi (queen). Our forefathers’ intention was for the Omu to be a queen in charge of women. So, you find out that when I go all over the country, people look at me as if I’m a TV screen or movie star because they had not seen such before. Our former governor, Chief James Ibori, wrote me a goodwill message when I celebrated my 50th birthday, 14 years ago. He said I brought feasibility to this ancient institution. As a media person, I brought that to this institution. So, it has been interesting going all over the world because they didn’t know there is a part of Africa where their forefathers had decided 700 years ago that a woman must occupy this throne and play her part for the community to move forward. So sometimes at events, I’m the only female at a setting dominated by men. What were you doing before you became the Omu? I was a media practitioner. I studied in England, the United States of America and returned 35 years ago. I was a media consultant for the late Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, of blessed memory and the late Orodje of Okpe. At some point, I consulted for the Asagba of Asaba and about seven traditional rulers. I was in the consultancy business but when I became the Deputy Omu, I decided that the best thing was to start working for traditional rulers. I was Deputy Omu for three years and became substantive Omu for 17 years, so I have done the work of Omu for 20 years now. How much do you miss your old life? No, I don’t miss my old life at all. I must confess that what I am doing is the physical manifestation of spiritual conclusion. So, once God has decided on a matter, you cannot miss anything because that’s the intention of God. How did you feel when you got to know that you would become the traditional ruler? Well, initially I was apprehensive because in the past, Omus were women in their early 80s and 90s and as you are aware, Omu doesn’t get married. And if you are married, once you become Omu, you must leave your marital home. However, I was not married so I didn’t have any issue with having to leave my husband. I wasn’t quite sure of how I would handle it but when I was convinced that it was the intention of God, I took it upon myself to do the right thing and I will continue to do to the right thing. How has your life as a female monarch been? Rosy…(laughs). Well, it’s challenging when you cannot marry, go into a relationship or attend a burial. There are so many things you cannot do as Omu. However, the work of Omu is 70 per cent spiritual, so I have to keep praying. I also have chiefs attached to my palace. There are spiritual and executive chiefs in the palace. What experience do you think you have had that you think came as a result of your being a queen? I am grateful to God and I remain grateful to the late Oba of Benin Kingdom. I learnt a lot from him. The Omu institution is very conservative and ancient. It is a dictatorship in the sense that no woman was consulted when few old wise men instituted the Omu institution. When many people see me and find out about the institution, they marvel. The challenges I have are even from our people. So what have been your biggest challenges since you became the monarch? One, I have tried to fuse the good of the old times with the good of the new period to have something brand new. I don’t have any challenge from the people of the North, West, South-East or Deltans. If there are any challenges I am facing, they are from my people and not necessarily from Anioma people. They are from my own home – Okpanam – and of course, it is understandable because even the best among us are despised in their homes. Anioma people own this institution; it is not a personal institution. So, one would not call what I experience as challenges in that sense. Even in Okpanam, the institution is for our forefathers and not for any individual. That’s why it is said that the Omu cannot abdicate the throne and people cannot put all manner of things in place to remove the Omu. So, in 700 years, no Omu has abdicated the throne and no Omu has been removed. Source

I was born and bred in Zimbabwe. After a turn of very unfortunate events, I am back in the country after having spent seven years in South Africa. I am grateful for the time I spent in South Africa. Being exposed to other cultures opened up my mind and I must say, I am more tolerant, open-minded and less judgemental person now than I was before I left my mother country. Best of all perhaps, is how I have been able to accept my sexuality through being in a place where queerness isn’t as demonized as it is in Zimbabwe. This is not to say South Africa is free from its own spat of homophobia. No! There have actually been several queer folks (most of them women) who have been raped and/or murdered by people who decided they could punish them for being ‘an abomination’ to society. Ever since I have been more open about my sexuality, I have not failed to receive my fair share of awkward questions from some heterosexual folks. It seems people expect me to have a biological explanation for my sexuality and this is usually so they can, at least, tolerate my veering off what is considered to be or what we have been socially conditioned to believe as the norm or the only acceptable way of expressing our love. I do not have a logical explanation for why I have such a strong affinity for women. Quite frankly, if logic had anything to do with whom we develop a romantic attraction for; I believe I’d be asexual. But it doesn’t! The heart wants what it wants. And on top of that, I staunchly believe that people should be free to love whoever they want to love. ‘Biology’ or socialization shouldn’t have to restrict how we express our love or lust or with who. Live. Let live. Let love! It is already taxing enough that the heterosexual community expects us to ‘prove’ that we were born ‘gay’ or convince them (usually to no avail, sadly) that transgender folks are not the gender they were assigned at birth. We also have to deal with the same cynicism and intolerance within the LGBT+ community. I am baffled and disappointed at how some queer folks seem to think one can either be heterosexual or homosexual. This reeks of hypocrisy. Society: How do you get attracted to someone of the same gender? How do you even have sex? And procreation? Homosexual folks: We are here; we are queer. Live. Let live! Other queer folks: ‘I am bisexual’. ‘I am transgender’. Homosexual folks: *screams* confusion We are that which we hate. We want the rest of society to acknowledge our existence and accept us as we are but we won’t even accept members of our community. Surely, the judged have become the judges. The oppressed have become the oppressors. Source

This past summer, Pastor Twanna Brown and Pastor Vanessa Gause consecrated their love before God and 200 guests at the New Vision Full Gospel Baptist Church in East Orange, N.J. Twanna, 46, and Vanessa, 45, are pastors of Rivers of Living Water United Church of Christ, which has locations in Newark and New York. Love At First Sight Their love story started nearly 30 years ago when both were teenagers singing in the same choir in Jersey City. “I was like, ‘Oh wow, what in the world, who’s that, she’s beautiful,’” Vanessa told the New York Times in an article about their union. “I immediately felt this kind of strange, warm feeling wash over me, and though I had not yet spoken a word to her, I could see myself loving this woman forever. My head was just spinning.” But for Twanna, who was two years older, Vanessa was just a friend. Soon Vanessa’s father, a staunch, conservative pastor moved their family to Atlanta. Enduring Love In 2005 the two reconnected when Twanna invited Vanessa to preach at a church in Harlem where she was ministering. It was after dinner and a night of reminiscing when they shared their first kiss. “It was a wonderful first kiss,” Vanessa recalled. “Well worth the wait!” The two married even though Vanessa’s father, who is strongly against their union citing the biblical texts, refused to attend. For both women all that matters is love. And that was reflected in their wedding ceremony. “Love is patient, love is kind. … Love hopes and endures all things,” recited Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, the presiding bishop of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, from 1 Corinthians 13 during their ceremony. Love Wins Vanessa later wrote on her Facebook page: “What we want Twanna’s father and those who believe as he does to know is that Love Wins! Love was winning before we got married, Love won on our wedding day and Love will always win.” Source