Phyll Opoku-Gyimah 10/09/2026 Phyll Opoku-Gyimah 10/09/2026

Imagining Black Queer Futures: Lady Phyll Guest Edits DIVA Magazine

Black queer people have always imagined beyond the limits placed upon us.

I am incredibly proud to have guest-edited this special edition of DIVA Magazine, dedicated to Black Queer Futures.

At the heart of this issue is a question I return to often: what becomes possible when Black LGBTQIA+ people are given the space not only to survive the present, but to imagine the future?

For generations, our communities have created possibility in places where possibility did not always appear to exist. We have built community where there was none, created movements when we were told to wait, challenged systems that were never designed with us in mind, and found ways to make joy, culture and family on our own terms.

Our futures deserve that same imagination.

Creating space for our stories

When I was invited to guest edit this issue, I wanted it to reflect the brilliance, complexity, creativity and political imagination that exists across our communities.

It was important to me that Black lesbian, bi, trans, queer and asexual voices were not simply included in conversations about the future, but were helping to shape those conversations.

Across the issue, contributors explore activism and accountability, mental health and wellbeing, academia, solidarity, storytelling, environmental justice and the ways we can collectively create something better.

These are conversations about the challenges we face today, certainly. But they are also conversations about possibility.

Because Black queer futures should not only be imagined through the lens of what we are fighting against.

We must also have the freedom to imagine what we are fighting for.

The power of storytelling

It is also a joy to have the brilliant T’Nia Miller as the cover star of this special edition.

T’Nia's work, presence and commitment to storytelling embody so much of the spirit behind this issue: visibility with purpose, creativity without limitation and the courage to occupy space unapologetically.

Throughout the edition, she is joined by an extraordinary collection of voices contributing their experiences, ideas and visions for what comes next.

I am deeply grateful to every person who trusted this issue with their words, their experiences and their thinking — and to the DIVA team for trusting me to help shape this edition.

An invitation to imagine

Black Queer Futures is not simply an issue about where we are.

It is an invitation to think beyond the present.

To imagine our communities thriving.

To imagine our trans siblings safe and protected.

To imagine Black LGBTQIA+ people leading institutions, creating culture, shaping policy, telling our own stories and building movements.

To imagine joy without qualification.

To imagine freedom without having to ask permission.

The future is not something that simply happens to us. We have a right to participate in creating it.

And I hope this edition encourages all of us to imagine boldly.

When you think about Black queer futures, what future do you want to help create?

Get the Black Queer Futures issue

The special Black Queer Futures edition of DIVA Magazine, guest-edited by Lady Phyll, is available now.

[GET YOUR COPY → https://www.divadirect.info/diva-oct-nov-2026-pre-order/

Photography: Ruth Crafer

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah 10/08/2026 Phyll Opoku-Gyimah 10/08/2026

World Pride Amsterdam 2026

The past few days at World Pride Amsterdam have been filled with powerful conversations, joyful reunions, celebration, resistance and, importantly, reflection.

I had the privilege of hosting the opening ceremony of the WorldPride Human Rights Conference, welcoming voices from across the globe at a time when defending our fundamental rights feels more urgent than ever! And huge for me, I introduced the Prime Minister of Netherlands Rob Jetten on stage and even had a little fun amongst the seriousness.

I also joined the panel Trade Unions, LGBTQIA+ Rights & Global Solidarity, marking 40 years of the Rainbow Network FNV and reflecting on the historic relationship between labour movements and LGBTQIA+ organising, and what solidarity must look like now as we face democratic backsliding and increasing attacks on our communities.

But some of the moments I’ll treasure most happened away from the stage.

I spent time with the incredible community at Netherlands Black Pride, gave a keynote, joined a panel, it was all about celebrating Black LGBTQIA+ joy and the importance of creating spaces where every part of who we are can be seen, valued and celebrated. It was brilliant! #BlackQueerJoy

I reunited with friends, comrades and fellow human rights defenders from across the world. Every reunion was a reminder that this movement has always been built on relationships, trust and a shared commitment to justice.

I was honoured to attend the International Pride Awards, celebrating extraordinary people whose courage, leadership and determination continue to move our movement forward.

There was also time with The Commonwealth Equality Network, reconnecting over lunch and continuing conversations about advancing LGBTQIA+ equality across the Commonwealth.

One of the unexpected joys of the week was spending time once again with former colleagues from Kaleidoscope Trust. Seeing activists across the globe I’ve worked alongside who continue to lead, organise and create change is a reminder that the seeds we plant together continue to grow.

Then came the marches, the conversations in corridors, the embraces, the shared meals, the laughter and those precious moments of simply being together.

Because this is something we don’t say often enough: Relationships are movement-building. The people we meet, the knowledge we exchange, the solidarity we nurture and the ways we continue to show up for one another are what sustain us long after the conferences end and the Pride flags are folded away.

So as I leave Amsterdam, I feel hopeful about what comes next.

As one of the Co-Chairs of London’s WorldPride 2032 Bid, I leave inspired by what this global movement can achieve when communities lead, when solidarity crosses borders and when we refuse to leave anyone behind. London has an extraordinary opportunity to build on this legacy, and I’m excited about the journey ahead. I’m looking forward to South Africa 🇿🇦 Cape Town next!

Until then, our work continues.

More solidarity across movements.

More investment in grassroots leadership.

More protection for those defending human rights.

More space for Black and other marginalised LGBTQIA+ voices.

More courage.

More love.

More collective action.

There is still so much work ahead.

But if Amsterdam reminded me of anything, it is this, our greatest strength has never been our institutions, it’s always been each other.

Thank you, Amsterdam. Until next time. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

#WorldPride2026 #HumanRights #GlobalSolidarity #LGBTQIA #BlackPride #TradeUnions #MovementBuilding #WorldPride2032 #London2032

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah 28/05/2019 Phyll Opoku-Gyimah 28/05/2019

Why UK Black Pride Exists – and Why It’s Still Needed

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.