Pride Month: a celebration and call to action

Last month, I took over from the formidable Phyll Opoku-Gyimah as CEO of Kaleidoscope Trust. I’m thrilled to be here and in a role that combines my personal identity and professional experience.

Over the past decade, I’ve seen our organisation grow from a nascent idea into a leading force in the global movement for LGBTI+ rights. I was inspired to apply for the role because I could see Kaleidoscope Trust’s profound impact, from influencing political institutions to empowering civil society organisations. 

Diving into Pride Month

Starting this role in Pride month was inspiring. I saw first-hand the work we do, the partnerships we hold, and the change that’s possible. 

And it was busy! Here are my highlights:

• Our Pride Reception brought together our partners, activists, supporters, political and diplomatic allies. Hosted in the beautiful Durbar Court, I saw before me the progressive coalition that will keep us moving forward.
• As members of The Commonwealth Equality Network – and proud host of the secretariat – I joined 40+ national LGBTI+ organisations for the first global gathering since 2019. A week with all the emotions possible, it was a privilege to meet so many genuine trailblazers.
• Our political relationships across government are essential to how we see change happening. While the UK’s general election created some uncertainty, I was pleased to meet the Prime Minister’s Envoy on Global LGBT+ Rights, the LGBT+ team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the UK’s Envoy to the Commonwealth.
• It was a joy to attend so many events, talk about our vital work, and see the allyship across sectors. Thank you to GiveOut, the City of London, the US Embassy, and our corporate partners, All Saints, COS, Lottie London and the London Gay Men’s Chorus.

My rundown on X has more photos and the best way to keep up-to-date is by subscribing to our newsletter.

Progress is possible

When Kaleidoscope Trust was founded twelve years ago, 79 countries criminalised consensual same-gender relationships. Today, that number has decreased to 63 – the latest being the wonderful striking down of Namibia’s colonial-era law a few weeks ago. 

We must celebrate these victories because they represent years of work from activists, movements, and political leaders. They change people’s lives. 

But the anti-rights, anti-gender, anti-LGBTI+ forces we are up against are well-resourced, strategic, and relentless. And they are winning in Uganda, Iraq, Ghana and across the Global North too.  

Let me be frank: we are currently being outspent, outflanked, and outnumbered. 

We’ve seen how civil society organisations can change laws, policies, hearts and minds. 

Now we need to intensify our efforts. To go further and faster in our advocacy and support.

And with a new government, we have a critical window of opportunity. We can’t miss this moment.

Our movement of the many

Our work thrives on bringing together diverse stakeholders – from different political parties, countries, government sectors and civil society, to businesses, media, and philanthropy. 

The strength of our relationships with all of you is the foundation of our advocacy, capacity-building, and convening power.

As we move forward, we all have unique roles to play in this movement. But it is our collective efforts that are essential to achieving our vision of a world that is free, safe, and equal for LGBTI+ people everywhere.

Happy Pride! Now, let’s get to work.