Gwilym Roberts He/him

Gwilym Roberts identifies as queer and was born in Wales in 1972.  In this interview he reflects on his life and work within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in Milton Keynes, where he played a pivotal role as the first Centre Manager for Q Space in the early 2000s. Gwilym shares his journey from HIV prevention work in the NHS to co-creating inclusive queer spaces, leading Q:alliance, and championing intersectional community efforts. He describes Q Space as a vibrant, transformative hub filled with youth groups, film nights, workshops, and activism, all rooted in inclusivity and emotional intelligence. His identity as queer, which he sees as political, spiritual, and philosophical rather than strictly sexual, underpins his approach to activism, training, and community building. Gwilym also discusses broader systemic issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, such as the cycles of funding, de-gaying and re-gaying of HIV services, and the co-option of queer spaces by mainstream institutions. Now living on a queer-friendly farm in Carmarthenshire, he continues to foster community connections and reflects fondly on the legacy and influence of his time in Milton Keynes.