"I'm proud of the communities that I'm part of. To meet so many incredible people. And to be part of their stories, and to be part of their lives. Yeah, they make the world feel less alone and more beautiful."

Community is fundamental to Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir (she/her). From growing up in Nigeria surrounded by family through to what she's doing now in her professional and volunteering roles.

Aisha is the Director of The Common Press, London's Queer & Intersectional Bookshop, Cafe & Events Space. It's a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals & groups across the capital to learn, come together and find the communities that people are looking for. And right now, The Common Press is crowdfunding so that it can continue to exist, champion LGBTQ+ writers & underrepresented voices and maintain itself independently as a hub of crucial activities, resources and, as Aisha explains, a place where movements can be built to create change. Your support can make this is a reality and you can find the crowdfunding link at the bottom of this page.

Before finding herself at The Common Press, Aisha worked in scientific research and we chat about this big flex in her career as well as her volunteering advocacy & experiences which led to her becoming Head of Community Engagement for UK Black Pride. As someone who appreciates the richness that volunteering has brought to my life, Aisha's commitment to this really resonates.

This conversations also highlights Aisha's passion for united action and she iterates the need for the LGBTQ+ community to come together more to protest queer spaces, advance our rights & stand up against forces that seek to de-stabilise us. We have the resources, says Aisha, but we're not quite where we need to be in terms of working as one.

We dive into cultural joy and representation of African countries too - how there's often misrepresentation, a lack of appreciation for their richness and misguided opinions. As well as the impact of colonisation and the need to decolonise queerness.

The three words Aisha uses to describe her origin story are 'Compassionate. African. Queer.' And I loved the pride in which she shares these when asked.

We also chat about Aisha's pride at getting through university, being at ease with coming out on her own terms & in her own time, how she very nearly pursued a career in football and building a beautiful married life with her wife, Lexie. And more! Enjoy peeps - it's a gorgeous conversation!

HELP SAVE THE COMMON PRESS! Donate here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-common-press