In a deeply personal interview on the popular series "With Chude," renowned Nigerian-American professor Dr. Uju Anya opened up about the complexities of her past, her evolving sexuality, and the experiences that led her to her "dream life" today. Known for her fearless academic voice, Anya’s conversation with Chude Jideonwo revealed a vulnerable side to a woman who has often had to defend her truth on the global stage.
A Childhood Shaped by Shadows
Dr. Anya’s worldview was forged in the heat of a difficult childhood. She described growing up in a home where her father was physically abusive and emotionally distant—a cycle of public humiliation that eventually led her mother to leave the marriage when Uju was only ten. These early wounds left her "love-starved," a state that she admits heavily influenced her search for stability and "normality" later in life.
The Myth of the "Fake" Marriage
Addressing long-standing misconceptions, Dr. Anya insisted that her marriage to her ex-husband was built on genuine affection and intentionality.
Real Attraction: She described her ex-husband as "hot, funny, and a great dancer," noting that their connection was both emotionally and sexually fulfilling.
A Passport to Normalcy: For a long time, the marriage felt like her anchor—a way to achieve the traditional life she had missed as a child.
However, after a decade together, she began to realize that her attraction to women was becoming the dominant force in her life. Though the couple attempted an open marriage to sustain their bond, Anya realized that she could no longer suppress her true self.
The New York Epiphany
The definitive turning point came when Dr. Anya attended a Nigerian lesbian wedding in New York. Seeing two African women celebrate their love so openly provided the clarity she needed.
"My marriage was over at that point," she shared. "I knew this was my future."
A New Chapter with Dr. Sirry Alang
Today, Dr. Anya is living her truth alongside her "dream woman," Dr. Sirry Alang (now Sirry Anya). The couple, who married in 2024, have successfully blended their families, creating a home rooted in the authenticity Uju spent years searching for. Despite the public backlash and intense scrutiny she often faces, Anya remains steadfast: she doesn't hate men; she simply loves women more.
