PHYLL OPOKU-GYIMAH

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Perhaps one of the most prolific LGBTQ+ activists in the UK, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is the founder of UK Black Pride - which has become Europe’s largest celebration of LGBTQ+ people of colour over the past sixteen years. She is also a trustee at Diva Magazine, a publication for queer women, and co-editor of Sista!, a collection of writing by LGBTQ+ women of African and Caribbean descent.

Phyll was also Head of Equality and Learning at the Public and Commercial Services Trade Union until 2019. Following her role at PCS, she became Executive Director of The Kaleidoscope Trust - an organisation which campaigns for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people in countries where they are discriminated. They work on behalf of LGBTQ+ organisations across the world and use international lobbying to help these organisations achieve their goals and objectives.

Phyll rejected a MBE in 2016 to protest Britain’s role in formulating anti-LGBTQ+ penal codes across the commonwealth. Since then, she has become known as “Lady Phyll”.

Her work has won Lady Phyll much acclaim as she was listed on the World Pride Power List in 2012 and the Independent on Sunday Pink List in 2011 and 2012.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is a Certified Proud Icon because she has tirelessly campaigned for LGBTQ+ people of colour throughout her life. While her name may not be commonplace in Ireland, her influence can be felt across the world and gives hope to so many.

To find out more about Phyll and her work, see below: