Reclaiming the sacred: faith, leadership, and the revolutionary work of House of Rainbow

In a world where religion is often weaponised against LGBTQ+ people, it is both a radical and necessary act to reclaim faith as a source of liberation. House of Rainbow, which I founded in 2006, is not simply a sanctuary for queer Christians; it is a prophetic movement grounded in the intersection of faith, sexuality, and human dignity. Our work is as theological as it is political, as pastoral as it is activist.

Leading from the margins

As an openly gay Black African Christian and an ordained clergy living with HIV, my leadership is deeply rooted in lived experience. Born in the UK, raised in Nigeria, and now based in Manchester, I have navigated the complex intersections of culture, religion, and sexuality all my life. These intersections form the cornerstone of my leadership, where I not only minister to the spiritually disenfranchised but challenge institutions that uphold homophobia and exclusion in the name of tradition.

Through House of Rainbow, we confront the theological violence that LGBTQ+ people endure in churches, mosques, and temples across Africa and the diaspora. We provide affirming spaces where people can hold their faith and their queerness without shame. But this work extends far beyond spiritual care.

Faith, sexuality, and leadership

At its heart, leadership in LGBTQ+ spaces must embrace the spiritual and cultural dynamics that shape our communities. Faith is not just a private practice, it is a social force that informs law, politics, and communal life, especially across Africa. To reconcile faith and sexuality is to challenge the very roots of discrimination and offer new, life-giving narratives.

In my work across the UK, Nigeria, and other places in Africa, I have seen the power of faith-based advocacy. Whether it is challenging anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, engaging with church leaders, or counselling individuals struggling to reconcile their beliefs with their identities, we are reshaping the moral imagination of communities and nations.

House of Rainbow works directly with people who are often forgotten: Black gay, bisexual, and trans men living with HIV, survivors of human trafficking and labour exploitation, and people seeking asylum whilst fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. We also support visibility and celebration through our active engagement with Pride and UK Black Pride, both of which are essential platforms for communal healing and visibility.

Human Rights in Practice

From Lagos to London, from Accra to Nairobi, House of Rainbow advocates for a world where no one is denied their humanity because of who they are or whom they love. Our work is grounded in universal human rights. In the UK, we partner with health institutions to improve the HIV response for Black queer communities. In Nigeria, DRC and across Africa, we equip grassroots leaders with the tools to resist religious-based homophobia and provide pastoral care to those in crisis.

We believe that advocacy is most effective when it is informed by theology, lived experience, and strategic partnerships. This is why we centre the voices of survivors, celebrate queer joy, and work collaboratively across sectors.

A call to action

The time has come for organisations, governments, corporations, NGOs, and religious institutions to rise to the challenge of this moment. House of Rainbow is a small organisation with a wide reach and deeper impact. But we cannot do this work alone.

We invite you to partner with us in the following ways:

• Financial support and funding: to sustain and expand our programs for HIV prevention and care, support for survivors of trafficking, asylum seekers, and pastoral care.
• Collaborative projects: with mental health, human rights, and interfaith organisations to amplify impact.
• Policy advocacy: by working with us to shape policies that protect LGBTQ+ people in faith communities and beyond.
• Visibility and inclusion: through supporting Black LGBTQ+ events such as UK Black Pride and helping amplify our stories and leadership.
• Corporate partnerships: that create inclusive spaces and resources for Black queer employees and customers, particularly in faith-impacted communities.

At House of Rainbow, we believe in a world where faith and freedom walk hand in hand. Together, we can build a future where LGBTQ+ people of faith not only survive but thrive.

Let us do the sacred work – together.

About the author

Reverend Jide Macaulay is a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ inclusion, equity, diversity, and faith leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of House of Rainbow CIC, an organisation dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces for Black and queer people of faith. Born in London and proudly gay, Reverend Macaulay bridges his British-Nigerian identity with a deep Christian calling. Since his ordination in 1998, he has served as a Priest, Pastor, and Preacher, passionately advocating for justice and spiritual liberation. A respected HIV-positive activist, author, poet, and public speaker, his work inspires global audiences. Academically, he holds a Law degree, a Master’s in Theology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Theology. His leadership extends to influential roles: Patron of ReportOUT, Co-Chair of One Voice Network, Chair of INERELA Europe, and Expert Advisor to the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights. Reverend Macaulay’s work embodies a bold, compassionate vision for an inclusive world.