Co-Founder & Executive Director of UK Black Pride, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust & Named in The List of 100 Great Black Britons

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, widely known as Lady Phyll, is a celebrated political activist and community leader dedicated to advancing racial, gender and LGBTQ+ equality. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of UK Black Pride, Europe’s largest celebration of LGBTQIA+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern heritage, and the Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, a charity campaigning globally for LGBT+ rights. Recognised internationally as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ figures, Lady Phyll uses her platform to champion inclusion, representation and social justice, inspiring audiences with her passion, authenticity and leadership.

Phyll began her career in the UK Civil Service, working for the Department for Work and Pensions and the Fraud Investigation Service, where she served as an Executive Officer for more than a decade. She later joined the Public and Commercial Services Union, progressing to Head of Political Campaigns and Equality, a role that saw her drive initiatives focused on workers’ rights, diversity, and inclusion. In 2005, she co-founded UK Black Pride, which has grown to become the largest celebration in Europe for LGBTQI+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent.

Alongside this, she has held positions on influential committees such as the TUC Race Relations Committee and previously served as a trustee for Stonewall. In 2019, she became Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, leading efforts to secure global equality and justice for LGBT+ communities. Phyll’s work has earned her a place on the World Pride Power List, the Independent Rainbow List of the Top 100 Most Influential LGBT People, and recognition as a LinkedIn Changemaker. With decades of activism and leadership, she has emerged as a powerful voice for equality, both in the UK and internationally.

Phyll contributes regularly as a columnist for Diva magazine, the leading publication for LGBTQI+ women and non-binary people. She is also the author of ‘Sista’, an anthology that brings together powerful writings by women of African and Caribbean descent with a UK connection. Alongside her authorship, her perspectives on race, gender and sexuality are frequently featured across major media platforms, amplifying her voice as a leading advocate for equality and justice.

Why Hire Phyll Opoku-Gyimah?

Audiences book Phyll because she brings passion, authenticity and decades of frontline activism to every stage. As co-founder of UK Black Pride, she has created a vital platform celebrating and empowering LGBTQI+ people of colour, while her leadership of Kaleidoscope Trust drives international change for LGBT+ rights. She has been recognised on the World Pride Power List, the Independent Rainbow List, and was named among 100 Great Black Britons for her contributions to society. Phyll has also been honoured as Grand Marshal of New York Pride, marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Known for her ability to inspire and mobilise, she speaks on the intersections of race, gender and sexuality, urging organisations and individuals to embrace diversity and inclusion. With her engaging presence and unwavering commitment to justice, Phyll leaves audiences informed, energised and ready to take action.

To book Phyll to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.