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Consortium

@consortium.lgbt

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🏳️‍🌈 Consortium supports LGBT+ groups, organisations and projects across the UK, so that LGBT+ communities in need have access to the best support possible.

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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d

Whether you're out, not ready, or unable to come out, you are seen, you are valid, and you are not alone.

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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d

Today is National Coming Out Day, first observed in 1988 on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

This #NationalComingOutDay, it's important to acknowledge that coming out looks different for everyone!

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This image has a light brown textured background with a illustration of a turtle hiding in it's shell with a speech bubble that says: "It's okay if you're not ready yet!". The purple and black text reads: National Coming Out Day, October 11th.

This image has a light brown textured background with an illustration of a file open, with different paper clips. There are two images, one a Keith Haring design of someone coming out of the closest ad a poster for the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. The black text reads: he first National Coming Out Day, organised by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg with the National Coming Out Day organisation, was observed on October 11, 1988, the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. In 1993, the National Coming Out Day organisation merged with the Human Rights Campaign, formally known as the Human Rights Campaign Fund. During the first few years of the project, Artist Keith Haring contributed his famous 1988 image of a person stepping out of the closet to HRC’s project, and it continues to be a staple in supporting their work by providing resources to the LGBTQ+ community. They created the National Coming Out Project in 1996, which is part of the ongoing work that goes beyond the activities on October 11 to provide resource guides and information to people who are coming out or those interested in understanding the journey. hrc.org/campaigns/national-coming-out-day

Reposted by Consortium

Trans+ History Week @transhistoryweek.com · 5d

Help shape Trans+ History Week!

Please complete our annual story survey and have your say on what kinds of stories we tell next year with @wearequeeraf.com

Shape Trans+ History Week - Have Your Say

What kinds of stories, history and communities should we focus on next year?

erv8ks078ir.typeform.com

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d

Has an LGBT+ organisation supported you or your community? Tag them or give them a shout out below!

Looking for support near you? Use our member directory to see what’s in your area:
consortium.lgbt/member-directory

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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d

We also want to recognise the amazing work of many more organisations, particularly grassroots groups that are often volunteer-led, supporting their local communities day in, day out. Many do this with stretched resources, and their dedication deserves to be seen and celebrated.

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Rainbows Across Borders

www.rainbowsacrossborders.org.uk

Supporting LGBT+ people seeking asylum in and around Croydon

Rainbow Migration

www.rainbowmigration.org.uk

Supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system.

Sahir

www.sahir.org.uk

Sahir is the Liverpool City Region’s LGBTQ+ and HIV charity.

Say It Loud Club

sayitloudclub.org

We are the community of LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK.

Spectra CIC

spectra-london.org.uk

We offer free sexual health and well-being services across London.

This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: Switchboard switchboard.lgbt Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Helpline: 0800 0119100 Email: hello@switchboard.lgbt The Rainbow Project rainbow-project.org The Rainbow Project is a LGBTQIA+ Charity based in Northern Ireland, providing health and wellbeing services for our community. Trans Aid Cymru transaid.cymru A mutual aid, helping trans, non-binary and intersex people across Wales.

This image has a white background. The black and purple text reads: TransActual transactual.org.uk We work to address & highlight issues affecting trans people, whilst raising trans voices. Umbrella Cymru umbrellacymru.co.uk Improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families in Wales. Yorkshire MESMAC mesmac.co.uk Yorkshire MESMAC is one of the oldest and largest sexual health organisations in the country.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d

Today, we’re highlighting just a few incredible LGBT+ organisations offering a range of mental health support, from peer-led spaces and counselling services to crisis helplines and community-based activities. This highlights only a small part of the incredible support available.

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LGBT Health and Wellbeing

lgbthealth.org.uk

Scotland’s health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ adults

Helpline: 0800 464 7000

helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk

LGBT Hero

www.lgbthero.org.uk

LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people supporting over 100,000 people a month.

LGBT Unity Glasgow

lgbtunity.org

A group which supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, and Intersex Refugees, people seeking asylum

and other Migrants.

Living Free UK

livingfreeuk.org

Supporting and validating the lives of LGBT Africans and asylum seekers throughout the UK.

Loving Me UK

www.lovingme.uk

Our team provides specialist safe house support solely & specifically for trans & non-binary individuals from across England who are fleeing domestic abuse.

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London Friend

londonfriend.org.uk

We’re the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, supporting the health and wellbeing of our city’s communities since 1972.

Mermaids

mermaidsuk.org.uk

Supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families since 1995.

Helpline: 0808 801 0400

Email: info@mermaidsuk.org.uk

METRO

metrocharity.org.uk

We are METRO, an equity and diversity health services charity working in London and the south-east.

Micro Rainbow

microrainbow.org

We run safe houses & socio-economic programmes for LGBTQI

people fleeing persecution.

MindOut

mindout.org.uk

Our services are for LGBTQ people aged 18+ who are based in Brighton and Hove, with the exception of our online support service which is available globally.

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Misery

linktr.ee/miseryparty

qtbpoc mental health collective & sober party.

OTR Bristol

www.otrbristol.org.uk

OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

OUTpatients

outpatients.org.uk

OUTpatients is the UK’s only LGBTIQ+ cancer charity.

The Outside Project

lgbtiqoutside.org

The Outside Project is an LGBTIQ+ Community Shelter, Centre and Domestic Abuse Refuge.

Queerwell

queerwell.org.uk

A national community led LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness charity.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d

Today is World Mental Health Day!

LGBT+ communities face unique mental health challenges, and our member organisations across the UK work every day to provide vital and affirming support.

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This image has a white background with a rainbow and an illustration of a hand holding a phone. The black text reads: World Mental Health Day, LGBT+ Help and support services.

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African Queer and Creative

africanqueerandcreative.org

Dedicated to empowering and uplifting queer Africans in the diaspora through the transformative power of creativity.

African Rainbow Family

africanrainbowfamily.org

Grassroots LGBTIQ+ charity that campaigns for and supports LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum of African heritage and the Global Majority in the UK.

AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust)

akt.org.uk

The National LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity

Black Trans Foundation

linktr.ee/blacktransfoundation

Resources for Black trans people

Black Trans Hub UK

www.blacktranshub.co.uk

Resource for global majority* transgender people who are struggling to access information about transgender healthcare.

Birmingham LGBT

blgbt.org

We offer a range of services for the LGBT Community in Birmingham and beyond, including sexual health, domestic violence, counselling, wellbeing support and more.

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Brighton & Hove Switchboard

www.switchboard.org.uk

Switchboard is a charity for LGBTQ+ people looking for a sense of community, support or information.

Cara-Friend

cara-friend.org.uk

Supporting and empowering the LGBTQI+ community in

Northern Ireland.

The Clare Project

clareproject.org.uk

Supporting trans, non-binary and intersex adults in Sussex.

CliniQ is a trans-led sexual health service in London, which provides STI & HIV testing, PrEP and PEP, mental wellbeing support, and more, for all trans, nonbinary and gender diverse people.

elop

elop.org

A holistic LGBTQ+ centre offering various support services to LGBTQ+ communities.

Galop

galop.org.uk

National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence.

Helpline: 0800 999 5428

Email: help@galop.org.uk

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Imaan LGBTI+ Muslim Support

imaanlondon.wordpress.com

Supporting LGBTIQ+ Muslims and provides an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

Intercom Trust

www.intercomtrust.org.uk

We are an LGBT+ led charity, proudly working with 1000’s of people each year to improve wellbeing and inclusion across the region.

Helpline: 0800 612 3010

Open: 9:00 - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday

Lancashire LGBT

lancslgbt.org.uk

We are the LGBTQ+ charity for all of Lancashire, supporting LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing since 2009.

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre

www.leicestershirelgbtqcentre.org

Our centre is a vibrant and inclusive space dedicated to celebrating diversity, fostering community, and providing support to LGBTQ+ individuals in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

LGBT Foundation

lgbt.foundation

We are a national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate and empower LGBTQ+ individuals and our diverse communities to realise their full potential, every day.

Helpline: 0345 3 30 30 30

helpline@lgbt.foundation

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Roxy Bourdillon - Editor-in-Chief at DIVA Magazine, Roxy uses her platform to amplify lesbian voices and stories, driving representation and visibility in the media.

#InternationalLesbianDay

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Roxy Bourdillon.

Roxy Bourdillon is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief of DIVA magazine.

Her work in the media has earned her a place in both the Pride Power List and the Attitude 101: LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Changing the World.

Her debut book, What A Girl Wants: A (True) Story of Sexuality and Self-Discovery was published by Bluebird Pan Macmillan on 17th April 2025.

She has spoken at iconic venues and events, including The British Library, Soho Theatre, BFI Southbank, The Coast Is Queer and Iris Prize Film Festival. She has also written for publications including Cosmopolitan, Woman&Home, The Guardian, The Bookseller and Attitude.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Lady Phyll - Co-founder of UK Black Pride and a leading voice for LGBT+ people of colour, Lady Phyll is known for her fearless advocacy, unapologetic visibility and commitment to intersectional equality.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Lady Phyll.

Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah – widely known as Lady Phyll – is a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights and anti-racism campaigner who’s dedicated her life to fighting injustice and uplifting communities.

Lady Phyll is a powerhouse of an activist and community organiser. Born in Islington to Ghanaian parents, Lady Phyll found her activist voice in her youth and has tirelessly advocated for racial, gender, class and LGBTQ+ equality ever since.

She co-founded UK Black Pride, now the world’s largest celebration for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Latin American descent. She’s also been a leading figure in a number of charities and organisations and has won many accolades for her work.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Nancy Kelley - A leading human rights and social justice campaigner, Nancy is part of the team at Trans+ Solidarity Alliance and has worked on LGBTQIA+ rights, refugee protection, and tackling inequality. She brings a powerful voice to global and national efforts for change.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Nancy Kelley.

Nancy Kelley is an award-winning human rights and social justice campaigner who has worked in fields ranging from LGBTQIA+ rights and refugee protection to poverty and inequality.

Nancy is currently Director at Trans Solidarity Alliance. She served as CEO of Stonewall between 2020 and 2023, and prior to this, Nancy was Deputy Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research.

Nancy is passionate about telling stories and asking questions that have the power to change our world for the better. Her changemaking experience spans working with global human rights organisations and human rights defenders, as well as domestic and international decision-makers and some of the world’s most influential companies.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Moud Goba - A pioneering LGBT+ rights activist and refugee advocate, Moud is the National Director of Micro Rainbow and has been instrumental in supporting queer people of colour and people seeking asylum.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Moud Goba.

Moud Goba is Micro Rainbow’s National Director. Her work with LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers is inspired by her own background.

Moud is a lesbian woman and fled Zimbabwe in the early 00s to find safety in the UK. Moud has long been an advocate for the LGBTQI community but began her professional involvement with LGBTQI asylum seekers after she received refugee status in the UK.

In 2013 she joined the Micro Rainbow team and brings her lived experience of being both an asylum seeker and refugee to the organisation to her work.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Cara McCann - Director of HERe NI, Cara works tirelessly to support lesbian and bisexual women in Northern Ireland. She is a dedicated community builder and outspoken campaigner for equality.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Cara McCann.

Cara McCann is from West Belfast and has a degree in Sociology and a Masters degree in Gender Studies.

She is the Director of Here NI, a community organisation that empowers, supports and advocates for all lesbian and bisexual women and their families.

Cara has many years experience in the community development field and has also taught Sociology, Social Policy and Gender studies at Queens University.

Cara is mum of a son, lives in Belfast with her wife, dog and cat. In her spare time she loves to play guitar, harp, sing and read.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Aderonke Apata - A human rights activist and founder of African Rainbow Family, Aderonke champions the rights of LGBT+ people seeking asylum in the UK and is a fierce advocate for racial and queer justice.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Aderonke Apata.

Aderonke Apata is a Multi-Award-Winning Human Rights Activist. Barrister (Unregistered) with a Master of Laws and an ADR ODR International Accredited Mediator: Civil/Commercial.

She’s a feminist, an advocate and campaigner for LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum. Aderonke founded the African Rainbow Family in 2014 amidst her thirteen-year journey to being granted asylum in the UK. Fleeing Nigeria in 2004 after being sentenced to death for being a lesbian, Aderonke fought hard to be granted her freedom and for other people.

Aderonke is an inspirational speaker, passionate about delivering various charity management, EDI, and LGBTIQ+ asylum process training. She also co-Authored a Research Handbook on Asylum and Refugee Policy.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 4d

Today on International Lesbian Day, we’re proud to spotlight six incredible women making powerful contributions to the LGBT+ sector!

Their leadership, advocacy and visibility continue to inspire and drive change across the UK and beyond.

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LGBT+ Fund @lgbtfunduk.bsky.social · 4d

We are the LGBT+ Fund, powered by @consortium.lgbt

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 5d

An actor, activist and performer, Marquise Vilsón is known for his roles on shows like Law & Order: SVU and for his powerful advocacy for trans rights, especially for trans men of colour.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, Marquise Vilsón.

Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga

(b. 1981) is an actor, activist and member of the House of Balenciaga. Raised in the Bronx during the HIV/AIDS crisis and crack epidemic, he entered the ballroom scene at 15 and quickly found community.

Vilsón began walking in GMHC Latex Balls in 1995 and joined the House of Balenciaga, gaining attention for his powerful performances. Aligned with his goal to live fully and be seen, he agreed to document his experience as a young Black man of trans experience from 1997 to 2001. The footage became part of The Aggressives (2005), a film about masculine queer people of colour.

A respected leader, he’s received awards for his work in sexual health and trans advocacy. He began acting professionally in 2017 with roles in Charm, Ben is Back, and Law and Order: SVU, and starred in the CW series Tom Swift as Isaac Vega.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 5d

A singer, songwriter and producer behind hits for Beyoncé and Madonna, MNEK is also a solo artist with a bold voice and unapologetic style. He advocates for LGBT+ inclusion in the music industry and beyond.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, MNEK.

Uzoechi Osisioma “Uzo” Emenike, professionally known by his stage name MNEK, is a British singer, songwriter and record producer. He rose to fame in 2013 after his collaboration with Duke Dumont and A*M*E on”Need U (100%)”.

As a Black gay man in mainstream music, he has consistently used his platform to speak out on race, sexuality and equality, pushing the industry towards greater inclusivity.

With credits alongside global icons like Beyoncé and Madonna, MNEK has not only shaped the sound of contemporary pop and R&B but also mentored emerging LGBTQ+ talent, helping to carve out space for the next generation of queer artists.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 5d

A writer, director and trans rights advocate, Janet Mock is the bestselling author of Redefining Realness and a ground-breaking producer on Pose. Her work challenges stereotypes and tells powerful trans stories.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, Janet Mock.

Janet Mock is a writer, director

and producer, most known for her path-clearing and historic work on the Peabody and Emmy award-winning series, “Pose.” In 2018, Mock became the first transgender woman of colour to write and direct an episode of television.

She is the New York Times bestselling author of two memoirs, Redefining Realness (2014) and Surpassing Certainty (2017) about her journey as a Black and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) trans woman.

Janet broke ground in 2014 with the release of her pioneering and profound memoir Redefining Realness which was the first biography written from the perspective of a young trans person.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 5d

A singer-songwriter blending pop and R&B with deeply personal lyrics, Cat Burns rose to fame with her viral hit Go. As an openly queer Black woman, she uses her platform to speak openly about mental health and identity.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, cat burns.

Cat Burns’ career trajectory has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months.

From becoming the biggest-selling British female artist of 2022, she’s received several further accolades including three BRIT Award nominations (‘Song of The Year’, ‘Best Pop/R&B’ and Rising Star), BBC Sound Poll 2023 shortlist induction, becoming Spotify’s Global RADAR artist and recently received a nomination for the ‘Rising Star Award’ at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards.

Her viral smash ‘go’, now 2x platinum, peaked at #2 on the Official Singles Chart and remained in the Top 10 for 17 weeks. Burns chronicled her experience with coming out to her family in her song "Free”.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 5d

Meet five remarkable individuals who continue to inspire through their talent, activism and authenticity:

Known for his breakout role in Sex Education, Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa is the first Black man to play the Doctor in Doctor Who.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, Ncuti Gatwa.

Ncuti Gatwa is a Rwandan-born Scottish actor. His family fled the country in 1994 during the Rwandan genocide, and arrived in Scotland. They first settled in Edinburgh and then moved to Dunfermline when Gatwa was 15.

He studied acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, graduating in 2013.

His mainstream breakthrough role came in 2019, when he was cast as Eric Effiong in Netflix’s Sex Education. Playing the British-Ghanaian-Nigerian gay best friend of the protagonist, Otis (Asa Butterfield), the character was praised for the way he transcended stereotypes.

In 2022, Gatwa was cast as the 15th Doctor in the BBC’s beloved sci-fi series Doctor Who.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 5d

This Black History Month, we're celebrating the power, pride and visibility of Black LGBT+ trailblazers who are shaping culture and breaking boundaries!

In the UK, Black History Month takes place every October.

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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 9d

Sessions will take place monthly, alternating between Tuesdays 3pm-4pm and Wednesdays 6pm-7pm.

Our next session is on Tuesday 21st October, 3pm-4pm.

Visit the link below for more information and to register:
consortium.lgbt/consortium-members-networking-sessions/

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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 9d

Do you want to connect with more LGBT+ organisations? Join our online networking sessions!

These sessions are for you to share updates with other Consortium members, hear news from the Consortium team and build relationships with organisations across our membership.

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This image has a dark and light blue background. The white text reads: Online Networking Sessions for Consortium Members. Monthly sessions on Tuesday/Wednesday. Connect with other LGBT+ organisations. More info on our website.

Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 11d

Stay tuned throughout October as we share posts highlighting Black LGBT+ people, history, resources and the work of our member organisations!

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Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 11d

We recognise the Black LGBTQ+ individuals and communities who have been at the forefront of our movements, creating space, demanding rights and shaping a more inclusive future.

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