To commemorate the College’s bicentenary in 2023, we’re showcasing 200 ‘Birkbeck Effects’ which capture the incredible stories of our vibrant and diverse community, highlighting their achievements and impact on the world. 

A recipient of Birkbeck’s Master’s in Global Governance and Public Policy, Bisi Alimi is a prominent gay rights and HIV/AIDS activist. Born in Nigeria and growing up under anti-gay legislation, Bisi was finally forced to seek asylum in the UK after receiving death threats in Nigeria following a live TV interview in which he outed himself as gay.  

He founded the Bisi Alimi Foundation, set up following Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013, to accelerate social acceptance for LGBT people in Nigeria. He has also worked with UK treatment activist group HIV i-Base, HIV care and support group Naz Project London, and a range of Nigerian LGBT youth group initiatives. 

Bisi has featured many times in The Independent on Sunday’s list of the most influential LGBT people in Britain and has said, “Being an Angelic Troublemaker is not a selfless drive; it is driven by a passion for creating a world where you can live in peace and cohabit with others with love and respect.”