The leader of an organisation that supports members of the LGBTQ+ community said he was excited to work for a charity that aligned with his passions and core values.

Joshua Samuels was appointed by OutBermuda as its new full-time executive director.

The charity said he is an openly gay Black Bermudian with more than 20 years of global non-profit experience and a strong focus on advancing equity for marginalised groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Mr Samuels’s career has taken him to Britain and the United States, where he worked with refugee and migrant communities.

He said: “I am excited to step into the role of executive director at OutBermuda, providing strategic leadership as the charity evolves and grows to support the needs of Bermuda’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.

“After several years overseas, I am excited to be back home working for a charity that aligns with my passions and core values.

“My hope is to see a Bermuda where all people feel safe, valued, supported and celebrated regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I am committed to leading the work at OutBermuda in a way that acknowledges systemic injustice and at the same time celebrates the beauty of all the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people who call our island home."

OutBermuda explained that as part of his work overseas, Mr Samuels critically examined power structures and co-created programmes.

Most recently, he developed a new equity project for Mind, the UK’s largest mental health charity, by establishing the Black Mental Health Collective, which is a national movement that challenges racial health disparities and influences change.

Born and raised in Bermuda, Mr Samuels was a Christian pastor before he became an LGBTQ+ advocate, which the charity said gave him a unique insight into the intersection of race, sexuality and religion.

With a Master's degree in biblical studies and a Master of Arts degree in migration studies from the University of Sussex, Mr Samuels said he was well equipped to lead OutBermuda forward.

He will oversee all aspects of the charity’s operations, including leading key programmes, developing new initiatives, executing its fundraising plan as well as managing strategic planning, governance and administration.

Mr Samuels will also serve as the official spokesman for OutBermuda, leading marketing, communication and public relations efforts.

Adrian Hartnett-Beasley, chairman of the OutBermuda board, said: “Josh’s extensive experience, combined with his passion for supporting and uplifting Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community, makes him the ideal leader to guide our organisation forward.

“This appointment reflects a significant commitment to our work in the community and our ongoing evolution as a charitable organisation that is deeply focused on uplifting the LGBTQ+ community with meaningful and impact-driven programming.”