Phyll Opoku-Gyimah Keynote Speaker

Dr Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known widely as Lady Phyll, is a distinguished political activist and a prominent advocate for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality. She is best known as the co-founder of Black Pride and currently serves as the Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting a world where LGBT+ individuals enjoy freedom, safety, and equality worldwide.

Lady Phyll’s impactful career began in the civil service, where she worked for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Fraud Investigation Service, holding the position of Executive Officer for nearly 13 years. Her dedication to advocacy and equality led her to the Public and Commercial Services Trade Union, where she held various roles and eventually rose to become the Head of Political Campaigns and Equality.

In 2005, Lady Phyll co-founded Black Pride, which has become Europe’s largest celebration for LGBTQI+ individuals of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern descent. This event provides a vital safe space for celebrating diverse sexualities, gender identities, cultures, gender expressions, and backgrounds. Furthermore, she has contributed her expertise as a member of the TUC race relations committee.

Currently, as an Executive Director at Kaleidoscope Trust, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah continues her tireless efforts to champion the rights and well-being of LGBT+ individuals globally.

Throughout her illustrious career, Lady Phyll has received recognition and accolades for her dedication to the community. She has been featured on the World Pride Power List and included in the Top 100 Most Influential LGBT People on the Independent Rainbow List. In 2016, she made a significant statement by publicly rejecting an MBE, citing her opposition to the Empire’s history of colonialism. Her commitment to social justice and equality is further underscored by her role as a former Stonewall trustee, and she was honored as the Grand Marshal of New York Pride in 2019, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

In 2020, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah’s contributions to society were celebrated as she was named among the 100 Great Black Britons, highlighting her substantial impact on the black British community and society as a whole. Lady Phyll continues to be an inspiring figure in the fight for equality, using her platform to effect positive change and advocate for a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah’s remarkable journey and tireless advocacy work have not only left an indelible mark on the landscape of equality and social justice but have also made her a compelling and sought-after speaker. Her eloquence and passion shine through in her powerful addresses, inspiring audiences to join the fight for a more inclusive and equitable world. As a highly respected voice in the realms of racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality, Phyll’s speaking topics resonate deeply with individuals from all walks of life. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences, coupled with her profound insights, make her a captivating and influential speaker who continues to uplift and empower those who hear her words. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is not only a trailblazer in the pursuit of equality but also a gifted orator who leaves a lasting impact on all who have the privilege of hearing her speak.