OUTBermuda Appoints Joshua Samuels
Joshua Samuels has been appointed the Executive Director of OUTBermuda.
A spokesperson said, “OUTBermuda is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua Samuels as its new full-time Executive Director. Joshua, an openly gay Black Bermudian, brings over 20 years of global nonprofit experience, with a strong focus on advancing equity for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.
“Joshua’s career has taken him across the US and UK, where he has worked extensively with refugee and migrant communities, critically examining power structures and co-creating programs that center people with lived experience. Most recently, Joshua developed a new equity project for the UK’s largest national mental health charity, establishing the Black Mental Health Collective—a national movement challenging racial health disparities and influencing systems change.
“Born and raised in Bermuda, Joshua’s journey from Christian pastor to LGBTQ+ advocate has given him unique insight into the intersection of race, sexuality, and religion. With a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and an MA in Migration Studies from the University of Sussex, Joshua is well-equipped to lead OUTBermuda into its next chapter.”
“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,” Mr Samuels said.
“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.”
The spokesperson said, “In his new role, Joshua will oversee all aspects of OUTBermuda’s operations, including leading key programs, developing new initiatives, executing the charity’s fundraising plan, and managing strategic planning, governance, and administration. He will also serve as the official spokesperson for OUTBermuda, leading marketing, communication, and public relations efforts.”
“OUTBermuda is thrilled to welcome Joshua Samuels as our Executive Director,” said Adrian Hartnett-Beasley, Chair of the OUTBermuda Board. “Josh’s extensive experience, combined with his passion for supporting and uplifting Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community, makes him the ideal leader to guide our organization forward. This appointment reflects a significant commitment to our work in the community and our ongoing evolution as a charitable organization that is deeply focused on uplifting the LGBTQ+ community with meaningful and impact-driven programming.”
For more information, visit www.outbermuda.com.
