Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah (Lady Phyll)
Biography
Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah was born in Islington, London, to Ghanaian parents. She began her activism through trade union organizing and went on to hold leadership roles focused on political campaigns, equality, and learning. In 2005, she co-founded UK Black Pride after a gathering of Black queer women from the Black Lesbians in the UK network inspired the creation of a dedicated space for Black LGBTQ+ communities.
From 2019 to 2023, Opoku-Gyimah served as Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, an international LGBTQ+ human-rights organization. She then became UK Black Pride's first full-time Chief Executive. She continues to serve as Founder and CEO of UK Black Pride while also serving as Executive Director of DIVA Charitable Trust. UK Black Pride is undertaking a strategic reset in 2026 and has announced plans for its return in 2027.
BQW Impact
Lady Phyll's work has helped build spaces and institutions specifically addressing the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ communities. As a Black lesbian activist and co-founder of UK Black Pride, she has advanced intersectional approaches to race, gender, sexuality, and class while expanding the visibility and political voice of Black queer communities in the United Kingdom.
Notable Works
UK Black Pride (2005)
Co-founded in 2005 to create a dedicated space celebrating and advocating for Black LGBTQ+ communities in the United Kingdom; she currently serves as CEO and Co-Founder.
Kaleidoscope Trust (2019 - 2023)
Served as Executive Director, leading the organization's work supporting LGBTQ+ human rights across the Commonwealth; she remains a Patron.
DIVA Charitable Trust (2026)
Serves as Executive Director, supporting the organization's work for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.
Sista! (2018)
Co-edited an anthology featuring writing by LGBT women of African and Caribbean descent with connections to the United Kingdom.
MBE Refusal (2016)
Declined an MBE in protest of Britain's colonial legacy and the continued persecution of LGBTQ+ people in Commonwealth countries.
Learn More
Official biography and information about her activism, advocacy, speaking, and professional work.
Official organization co-founded and led by Lady Phyll.
Biographical profile documenting her life, Ghanaian heritage, activism, and role in founding UK Black Pride.
Kaleidoscope Trust: Our Patrons
Official information about her work as Executive Director and current Patron.