The first executive director of an LGBTQ+ charity on the island will leave the organisation this month to follow “her personal passion for yoga and wellness”.

Tiffany Paynter’s tenure leading OutBermuda will end on Friday. Adrian Hartnett-Beasley, the charity’s chairman, said: “I am personally so grateful for Tiffany’s contributions to OutBermuda and our growth over the past two years.

“Tiffany’s passion and commitment have led her work representing and positively impacting our island’s LGBTQ+ community. We wish her well on her exciting new endeavour.”

OutBermuda said Ms Paynter joined the organisation in 2022 and has since “played an instrumental role in the continued evolution of the charity”, including in the execution of its five core strategic pillars of education, advocacy, safety, empowerment and community building.

It added that Ms Paynter’s “uplifting energy and collaborative spirit has resulted in the formation of key partnerships with Curb [Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda] and Solstice to name a few”.

The charity said: “Under her leadership she has developed many programmes for the charity such as Chat and Chew, Outlet and Safe Zone training.

“Each of these programmes have been instrumental in delivering meaningful outcomes for OutBermuda and measurable impacts on our community and stakeholders.

“Tiffany also played an important role in the planning and execution of Bermuda Pride, an LGBTQ+ series of events, held every year in August, that has become one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations of diversity on Bermuda’s event calendar.”

Ms Paynter reflected: “Looking back on the last two years and the connections I’ve made with so many people in this role, it really is a bittersweet moment for me.

“I’m grateful to the board of directors for giving me an opportunity to make a positive impact on our community.

“I would also like to thank the community partners and volunteers who make programmes like Bermuda Pride and Outlet possible.”

She added: “I didn’t do anything alone; I had a community and village of people supporting me and I appreciate everyone who has helped me in this role.”

OutBermuda said more information about the application process for a new executive director, as well as the role’s core responsibilities, would be published in the weeks ahead.

• For more information about OutBermuda and its initiatives, visitwww.OutBermuda.org