Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring 30 trailblazing Black LGBTQ+ champions pushing for inclusion across the UK

To mark Black History Month, it's vital to recognize and celebrate the contributions of inspiring Black LGBTQ+ professionals who have significantly shaped the landscape of inclusivity and social justice in the UK.

This year’s theme, "Reclaiming Narratives," calls for a deep exploration of the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who have courageously paved the way for future generations. From activists advocating for HIV awareness to athletes challenging societal norms, here are just 30 LGBTQ+ trailblazers (in alphabetical order) inspiring a more equitable society for all in the UK's communities and workplaces.

1. Azekel Axelle Nasah

Background: Azekel Axelle Nasah (Axelle) is a Black queer non-binary campaigner dedicated to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK.

Workplace/community contributions: Focused on fostering safe, inclusive environments, Axelle empowers Black LGBTQ+ individuals by celebrating their identities within the broader queer and BIPOC communities. Their work includes initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues in these communities and advocates for culturally relevant mental health resources. Through workshops, social media, and community events, Axelle promotes understanding and solidarity among diverse identities, encouraging intersectional activism and a more supportive environment for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

2. Aloysius Ssali

Background: Aloysius Ssali is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and founder of the Say It Loud Club, a grassroots charity providing practical support and a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

Workplace/community contributions: The Say It Loud Club, founded in 2010 after Aloysius was granted asylum in the UK, offers critical support to LGBTQ+ individuals navigating the challenges of seeking refuge. Aloysius also collaborates with the NHS to address healthcare needs for marginalized communities within the British public. His advocacy emphasizes the importance of inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ refugees, helping them access essential services, resources, and a sense of community.

3. Belton Flourney

Background: Belton Flourney is a leader and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, with a focus on mental health and wellness in marginalized communities.

Workplace/community contributions: As a Director in Protiviti’s Technology & Digital consulting practice, Belton founded Protiviti UK's LGBT+ group, which was recognized as the Best LGBT+ Network in 2019 by the Inclusive Tech Alliance. He was also listed as a top 10 inspirational business leader by the British LGBT+ Awards in 2020 and ranked #18 on Yahoo Finance’s Top 100 Future LGBT+ Leaders and #15 on the Top 100 Future Ethnic Minority Leaders list. As co-founder of Pride in the City with Pride in London, Belton led a mayor-backed initiative aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in London businesses. With over a decade of experience supporting clients in strategic solutions for top financial institutions, he remains committed to keeping diversity and inclusivity high on business agendas. Read our interview with him here.

4. Brisbon Kofi

Background: Brisbon Kofi is the pen name of Cameron Bernard Jones, a stage and voice actor, poet, and creative writer based in London, originally from New York City. His work explores themes of Black male homosexuality and diaspora culture, bringing an important voice to these narratives in the UK.

Workplace/community contributions: Through his writing, Brisbon delves into nature, love, trauma, and freedom, reflecting on Black male homosexuality and African diaspora culture. His poetry anthology, The Healing Section, offers a profound look into the experiences and emotions of a Black gay man in modern society. Brisbon has collaborated with UK Black Pride and UK Black History Month, creating thought-provoking works and campaigns that highlight Black LGBTQ+ identity, history, and the richness of Black queer experiences in the UK.

5. Campbell X

Background: Campbell X is an influential filmmaker whose work, including the film Stud Life, explores Black LGBTQ+ experiences in East London. They co-founded the Wahala Film Fund, a pioneering initiative that supports QTIPOC (Queer, Trans, and Intersex People of Color) narratives in film, furthering representation for marginalized communities in the UK.

Workplace/community contributions: As co-founder of the Wahala Film Fund, Campbell advocates for the stories of QTIPOC in film, providing mentorship opportunities for emerging filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds and fostering a more inclusive narrative landscape. Through producing and promoting films centered on LGBTQ+ stories, Campbell challenges stereotypes and brings visibility to marginalized communities, encouraging dialogue around race, sexuality, and identity in the arts.

6. Char Bailey

Background: Char Bailey is a queer, neurodiverse woman of color with over a decade of experience in coaching, facilitation, and inclusion.

Workplace/community contributions: As the Director of People at Birmingham Pride, the UK's largest two-day LGBTQ+ festival, Char leads human resources and diversity initiatives, empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential. She is passionate about mental health and autism advocacy and serves as co-chair of the board for Neurodiversity in Business, supporting neurodiverse talent and employers. Char co-hosts the award-winning podcast and radio show Qmmunity and writes for DIVA Group, a leading media platform for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals. She also facilitates workshops in schools and businesses, focusing on mindfulness, stress management, self-awareness, confidence, and resilience.

7. Chloé Davies

Background: Chloé Davies is an LGBTQ+ advocate and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consultant with extensive experience helping organizations create inclusive environments that empower diverse talents.

Workplace/community contributions: As the Founder & CEO of It Takes A Village Collective (ITAV), a global network for Black women in advertising, media, marketing, and communications, Chloé collaborates with partners to elevate visibility and create career opportunities for Black women. With over 20 years of experience across multiple sectors, she has advised organizations on creating equitable career progression and building inclusive workplaces. Her focus on intersectional inclusion has made her a prominent voice for positive change in UK workplaces, particularly in advocating for Black women and LGBTQ+ people.

8. Chloe Cousins

Background: Chloe Cousins is a leader at the Proud Trust, heading the LGBTQ+ Young People of Colour program, and co-founder of the COLOURS Youth Network, focusing on support for LGBTQ+ youth of color.

Workplace/community contributions: Chloe is the Strategic Lead for Rainbow Noir in Manchester, a group celebrating LGBTQ+ people of color in non-activist spaces. Her expertise lies in supporting LGBTQ+ youth work, education, and exploring intersections between LGBTQ+ identities and faith, creating spaces where young people of color can thrive without fear of discrimination or judgment.

9. Dr. Ronx Ikharia

Background: Dr. Ronx is an emergency doctor and television presenter, as well as a non-binary advocate focused on LGBTQ+ inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color in healthcare.

Workplace/community contributions: Known for their work in the NHS, Dr. Ronx advocates for inclusivity in medicine and beyond, challenging healthcare institutions to address gender, race, and LGBTQ+ issues. Their advocacy encourages healthcare environments that support open and authentic expressions of identity, pushing for meaningful changes to benefit diverse communities.

10. Jason Jones

Background: Jason Jones, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, has been a transformative figure in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean and the UK.

Workplace/community contributions: Jason led a historic legal fight to decriminalize same-sex relationships in Trinidad and Tobago, marking a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean. His advocacy includes international speaking engagements, community outreach, and collaborations with global organizations, focusing on dismantling the legacies of colonialism and advancing LGBTQ+ rights through systemic change both at home and abroad.

11. Josh Rivers

Background: Josh Rivers is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, with a focus on the intersections of race, sexuality, and mental health.

Workplace/community contributions: As the host of Busy Being Black, Josh has created a platform for exploring Black identities within LGBTQ+ spaces, emphasizing the need for representation and inclusive discussions on mental health in marginalized communities. His work actively elevates Black LGBTQ+ voices and fosters community, making space for conversations around identity and belonging.

12. Kenny Ethan Jones

Background: Kenny Ethan Jones is a transgender advocate, model, and speaker, recognized for his work in raising awareness around trans rights, especially for Black trans men.

Workplace/community contributions: Kenny focuses on trans inclusion within workplaces, advocating for inclusive healthcare policies, gender recognition, and workplace accommodations for Black and trans individuals. His collaborations with organizations aim to develop policies that respect and protect transgender employees' identities and lived experiences.

13. Krystal Lake

Background: Krystal Lake, a New York-born DJ, radio host, filmmaker, and social influencer based in London, is a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Workplace/community contributions: Krystal emphasizes the importance of addressing homophobic remarks and creating supportive environments within organizations. Her educational content on TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat covers topics often overlooked in traditional education systems, focusing on issues that impact Black LGBTQ+ women. Through her platform, she promotes self-love, acceptance, and the importance of challenging societal norms. Read the full interview here.

14. Lady Phyll

Background: Lady Phyll is a trailblazing advocate for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality, best known as the co-founder of UK Black Pride.

Workplace/community contributions: Lady Phyll has transformed the UK’s approach to LGBTQ+ inclusivity for people of color. As co-founder of UK Black Pride, she launched Europe’s first event celebrating LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American descent. Recently stepping down as Executive Director at the Kaleidoscope Trust, she now focuses on her role as CEO of UK Black Pride, advocating for the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing of QTIPOC individuals. Read the full interview here.

15. Leee John

Background: Leee John, lead singer of the British band Imagination, is an LGBTQ+ and HIV activist with a focus on Black communities.

Workplace/community contributions: John actively raises awareness around HIV stigma, especially within Black and LGBTQ+ communities in the workplace. He advocates for workplace education and policies supporting employees living with HIV, addressing healthcare and non-discrimination needs for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

16. Marc Thompson

Background: Marc Thompson is an HIV activist, health promotion specialist, and podcaster who has been living with HIV since 1986. With over 30 years of experience in HIV prevention and activism, he has held pivotal roles with the NHS, Terrence Higgins Trust, and Gay Men Fighting AIDS.

Workplace/community contributions: As co-director of The Love Tank CIC, Marc promotes health and well-being for underserved communities through education and research initiatives. He also co-founded Prepster.info, a global initiative for PrEP access, and Blackout UK, a movement focused on creating safe spaces for Black gay men. Featured in the BBC2 series Saved by a Stranger and The Guardian’s Outspoken series, Marc’s work explores the intersections of race, sexuality, and HIV. Additionally, he co-curates the digital archive Black and Gay, Back in the Day and hosts the podcast series We Were Always Here, documenting the UK HIV epidemic through the perspectives of unheard voices.

17. Michael Gunning

Background: Michael Gunning, a British swimmer, represented Jamaica in the 2017 and 2019 World Aquatics Championships. He gained public attention as Jamaica’s first openly gay athlete on the national team during his appearance on the reality dating show The Bi Life in 2018.

Workplace/community contributions: A dedicated LGBTQ+ advocate, Michael focuses on promoting visibility and mental health within sports. His advocacy earned him the 2019 Attitude Pride Award. After retiring in 2022, he collaborated with Tom Daley on the BBC documentary Tom Daley: Illegal to Be Me, discussing discrimination in sports. That same year, Michael opened Pride House Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games and hosted swimming events at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. More recently, he debuted as a documentary producer and director with Beneath the Surface on Sky Sports, a film focused on LGBTQ+ issues in sports. Read our interview with him here.

18. Mzz Kimberley

Background: Mzz Kimberley, an American-born cabaret artist, singer, and actress who grew up in London, is known for her dynamic performances and advocacy.

Workplace/community contributions: Partnering with organizations like Trans Creative and 100 Trans Voices, she works to elevate trans voices within the arts. A regular performer at Pride in London and a featured actor in the German sitcom The Finellis, Mzz Kimberley passionately advocates for social justice as a proud disabled woman of color, amplifying the presence of trans voices in the entertainment industry.

19. Moud Goba

Background: Moud Goba, a refugee from Zimbabwe, is a prominent human rights activist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority communities in the UK.

Workplace/community contributions: Serving as Chair of Trustees for UK Black Pride and Project Manager at Micro Rainbow, an LGBTQ+ refugee charity, Moud’s work focuses on securing safe housing for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and preventing homelessness during the application process. Her advocacy, which earned her recognition as one of the top 100 most influential LGBTQ+ people in the UK in 2015, highlights her commitment to creating supportive, dignified environments for LGBTQ+ refugees.

20. Munroe Bergdorf

Background: Munroe Bergdorf is a Black trans model and activist based in London, known for her work advocating for feminism, trans rights, anti-racism, and mental health awareness.

Workplace/community contributions: Munroe gained widespread recognition when she became the first trans woman to appear on the cover of Cosmopolitan UK in January 2022. This landmark achievement symbolized a significant step toward increased representation for the trans community. Munroe inspires young trans individuals by showcasing that their identities do not limit their potential. Munroe significantly influences the fashion and media industries by advocating for inclusivity and diversity. Her activism encourages vital conversations about trans rights and racial equality. Through public speaking, social media, and partnerships with various organizations, she promotes mental health awareness and challenges societal norms. Munroe’s efforts not only elevate the visibility of marginalized communities but also inspire a more equitable and just society.

21. Ncuti Gatwa

Background: Ncuti Gatwa is a Scottish-Rwandan actor best known for his role as Eric Effiong on Netflix’s Sex Education.

Workplace/community contributions: As the first LGBTQ+ actor to play the Doctor on Doctor Who, Ncuti has broken significant barriers for representation in mainstream media. His authentic performances resonate across the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring future generations of queer actors and reinforcing the importance of diverse voices in entertainment.

22. Reverend Jide Macaulay

Background: A British-Nigerian priest in the Church of England, Reverend Jide Macaulay is the founder of House of Rainbow, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within