Davis Mac-Iyalla, director of Changing Attitude-Nigeria, was in high spirits as he rode in his first Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco with the Bishop of California, Marc Andrus. Parade Day was bright and sunny, and the procession was long and colorful, with large crowds held behind barricades lining Market Street; men, women, children, believers and non-believers, the whole huge panoply of God's creation. Parades are unknown in Nigeria, much less Gay ones. Davis had the time of his life.

Afterward Episcopalians gathered for the Pride Day Eucharist at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, where Bishop Marc preached an affecting sermon and commissioned Davis to continue his work among LGBTs in Nigeria and West Africa. The congregation, asked to support Davis in his ministry, shouted, "WE WILL!"

Everywhere he goes, Davis is greeted with enthusiasm. His personal charm, sense of humor and rhetorical gifts impress even his occasional detractors. He's adjusted well to the United States and constantly makes new friends.

But the story of LGBT Nigerians provokes many emotions: grief, anger, mourning and determination. No one should be scapegoated; no group should be told it has no right to exist.

Davis tells his story, but the issue is much larger and much smaller; it's about 14 million LGBT Nigerians who haven't yet gained his courage to come out and claim their place in family, church and nation.

Patiently God calls them, and one by one, they step into the light and ride with Davis up Market Street in San Francisco, the Gay Capital of the World where everyone is free.

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