30 LGBT people, places and things you need to know: Bisi Alimi

While there still may be a long fight for equality ahead, and tragic events like Orlando proving that homophobia is still prominent in today’s society, there’s also plenty to be happy about, and so many reasons to be hopeful for the future.

In Attitude’s July Issue – available to download and in shops now – our editor Matthew Todd marks his final issue at the helm of the magazine with his list of 30 people, places and things that makes us happy.

And frankly because the national mood could do with a lift this week, we’re giving you a peek at a few of the people, places and things that made the list – up first it’s…

Bisi Alimi

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An angelic troublemaker incarnate, Bisi Alimi is one of the UK’s most prominent LGBT activists. In 2004 he became the first Nigerian to openly declare his sexuality on that country’s national television, a decision that resulted in death threats, forcing him to move to the UK. He has engaged with the media for social change ever since as a public speaker, policy analyst, television pundit and campaigner.

“The UK has seen a great shift in the hearts and minds of people in the past 50 years,” says Bisi. “We can forget that people were once jailed or chemically castrated in this country for being gay just 50 years ago. Now we talk about marriage, adoption, breaking the workplace glass ceiling and about being out in sports.

“There are still occasions that shock us but it is our resilience, our passion, our determination that has taken us this far and this is something we should be proud of. From Nigeria to Uganda, from Russia to Ukraine, from the United States to Jamaica, there are still challenges facing the LGBT community, but our hope hangs on the reality that change is inevitable.”

You can read Alimi’s feature, along with the other 29 people, things and places that make us happy in Attitude’s July Issue, available to download now from pocketmags.com/attitude and in shops now.

Print copies are available to order globally from newsstand.co.uk/attitude.

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