About Us
Who We Are
Structurally, OUTBermuda is a company ‘limited by guarantee’, used primarily for charitable of social purposes and does not pay dividends. As mentioned elsewhere, the company was formed in November 2014, rebranded in March 2015 and was registered as a charitable organisation on 22 May 2016. We have a Board of Directors and appointed Officers who manage the work of the charity on a volunteer basis. Please find a copy of our Charitable Organization Registration Certificate here. We are always looking for continued diversity and community feedback so if you are interested in becoming a part of OUTBermuda, either as a volunteer or in more formal capacity, please reach out to us.
Our Mission
The issues facing the LGBTQ community in Bermuda are as diverse as the community itself – work place inclusiveness, bullying in schools, discrimination, unequal treatment under the law, public ridicule and physical violence are but a few of the areas in which LGBTQ people face adversity.
OUTBermuda promotes and supports the wellbeing, health, dignity, security, safety and protection of the LGBTQ community in Bermuda by proving educational resources on issues of diversity, inclusiveness, awareness and acceptance as regards LGBTQ people, and seeks generally to advance human rights, conflict resolution and the promotion of equality and diversity relating to the LGBTQ community in Bermuda.
Executive Director
Tiffany Paynter
(SHE/HER)
A social entrepreneur and longtime advocate for the local LGBTQ+ community, Tiffany joined the team at OUTBermuda part-time in the role of Executive Director in June 2022. She has a Gender Studies BA from Queen’s University in Ontario Canada and is an internationally certified yoga instructor.
Ms Paynter is also well known island-wide as a yoga teacher, spoken-word poet and volunteer for organisations including Spirit House Bermuda and the Family Centre. As OUTBermuda’s first executive director, Ms Paynter will oversee the group’s growth and evolution, leading day-to-day operations and longer-term strategy, including increasing volunteer and education programmes to improve community involvement and outreach. Tiffany will also be responsible for relationships with government bodies and the business world.
Board of Directors
Abigail Clifford
(she/her)
Abigail is the Group President & Chief Executive Officer of BF&M Insurance Group. She has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, including the international reinsurance industry. In 2013, she joined BF&M and held various business and support positions during her tenure including Group Chief Operating Officer, EVP Life & Health Division and Group Chief Administrative Officer.
Prior to joining BF&M, Ms. Clifford spent over 14 years at Partner Reinsurance Company working in Bermuda and in the US. Her most recent role was Group Chief Human Resources Officer. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington College.
Sara J. Corday
(she/her)
Sara is a dedicated and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, embracing her identity with joy and authenticity. Educated in Bermuda and Nova Scotia, Canada, Sara has a B.A. in History from Acadia University and has worked in the hospitality and non- profit sectors, before settling at Butterfield Insurance as an Underwriter in 2014.
Passionate about exploring the world and learning about different cultures, Sara enjoys traveling to new destinations with her wife, April, where they love to explore the history and heritage of any new country. When she's not jet-setting to far-off lands, Sara enjoys cozy evenings at home with her wife and their two cats, indulging in her guilty pleasure of reality shows about love or documentaries about shipwrecks (she’s complicated y’all). Above all, Sara is driven to make Bermuda an accepting and welcoming place for everyone through purposeful education, constant visibility and unwavering love.
Michael DeCouto
(he/him/his)
Michael has served with Clarien Bank (formerly Capital G Bank Limited) since 2006. His responsibilities include development and implementation of the Bank’s integrated marketing plan, the digital transformation of the company, development and governance of the corporate brand, and all corporate communications.
In 2018 Michael was awarded a Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his work as chairman of the communications committee for the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. In 2013 he served as a member of the sales and marketing committee of the Bermuda Tourism Board. From 1999 to 2006, Michael worked with the Bermuda Government Department of Tourism, beginning as Manager of Creative Services and ending his tenure as Director of Marketing. In this capacity he led all aspects of global consumer marketing for Bermuda. He was consulting Creative Director of Global Crossing from 1998 to 1999, establishing an international image for the firm through advertising and collateral development.
Fluent in three languages, Michael began his marketing career with NYNEX (Bermuda) Limited in 1995. He attended the ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management, and Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He also studied advertising at the New York Institute of Technology, and integrated marketing and communications at New York University.
Taj Donville-Outerbridge
(they/he)
Taj is an unapologetic black, queer, and non-binary multi-award-winning human rights activist, writer, and student. Born and raised in Bermuda, they have long history of LGBTQ+ activism, founding Bermuda’s first LGBTQ+ youth group, ‘The Village’ and being a founding member of the Bermuda Pride organizing team. Taj is also a regular contributor to the island’s media outlets on issues related to youth, LGBTQ+ rights, and politics.
Currently living and studying in the UK, they continue to be an active human rights champion at the university level, at the national level, and internationally. Taj has been an elected student leader since starting his undergraduate at King’s College London, where lead the LGBTQ+ groups on campus. They also sit on several youth and student advisory committees across the UK charity sector, advocating for the intersectional needs of the black queer community.
Internationally, Taj serves as the Treasurer and only black executive board member of the International LGBTQI Youth & Student Organization (IGLYO), which is the world’s largest network of LGBTQ+ youth and student organizations.
In their limited free time, Taj enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and watching TV shows/films. They are also known for their unique style and can frequently be found walking the fashion categories at Balls across the European Ballroom Scene.
Buddy Fleming
(he/him/his)
Buddy Fleming is a dedicated Luxury Real Estate Specialist and the Director of Luxury for Keller Williams Bermuda, bringing over 16 years of Luxury industry experience to his role. With a background that includes Luxury Hospitality leadership as well as residential real estate sales at Tuckers’ Point, Buddy has developed a deep understanding of the high-end client and their unique needs.Known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to exceeding client expectations, Buddy ensures that the buying and selling experience in Bermuda is both enjoyable and stress-free.
Buddy is happily married to his husband, Brad, and living with their puppy, Charlie.
Outside of real estate, Buddy is known for his active contributions to the community as a certified personal trainer and fitness coach, board member of Friends of Hospice, and works frequently with Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB), reflecting his commitment to both personal wellness and community betterment.
Buddy is both humbled and honoured to join the board of OUTBermuda and is looking forward to playing a vital role in the company's future.
Adrian Hartnett-Beasley
(he/him/his)
Adrian is a founding Director of OUTBermuda and is grateful to have served the LGBTQ+ community as Chairperson of the Board of this great charity since 2019. Adrian attended school in Bermuda, university in Canada and the U.K., is a member of the Bermuda Bar Association and currently works in the (re)insurance industry as a lawyer. In all spheres of his life, Adrian focuses on building and maintaining relationships with integrity and has been involved with many church and community organisations and projects over the years, including leading a corporate social responsibility program. While he’s held multiple roles professionally and in the third sector—and being a lawyer pays the bills—his favourite titles are ‘papa’ and ‘husband’ as he enjoys those jobs the most. When not working, you can find Adrian playing sports, gardening, baking or spending time with friends and family.
Zakiya Johnson-Lord
(she/her/hers)
A founding Director of OUTBermuda, Zakiya identifies as a Black Bermudian lesbian mother. She attended the Bermuda High School for Girls for 12 years before earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the U.S. Zakiya began her career as a clinical therapist in Alabama. She has also lived and worked in Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C. She has worked in development and donor engagement for LGBTQ+ organisations and is presently serving as senior philanthropic advisor for Movement Voter Project, mobilising voters to build long-term progressive power. She and her wife currently live in D.C., where they are raising their young son, who is Black boy joy and magic.
Ravi Pachai
(he/him/his)
Ravi is a founding Director of OUTBermuda and returned to the Board in 2021. Ravi is passionate about human rights and has a particular interest in the intersectionality of race and sexuality. He is a past Commissioner for the Bermuda Human Rights Commission, and he has been actively involved in a number of LGBTQ+ related professional networks including LGBTQ+ Insurance Network (Link) Bermuda and Pride-related business resource groups. Ravi is a qualified actuary having worked in the insurance industry for over 17 years. Born in Bermuda, he has lived in Canada, Mexico, Sweden and the UK. Ravi is living back home in Bermuda with his husband Steven and together they enjoy travelling and gardening.
Jameka Smith
(she/her/hers)
Jameka is a founding Director of OUTBermuda. She and her wife Charlene Smith, who is also a member of OUTBermuda, made a landmark spousal certificate application submission to the Department of Immigration in 2013 that was repeatedly challenged for filing and acceptance. In 2019, it was finally approved, granting Charlene employment and residency rights in Bermuda and legally recognizing her as Jameka’s spouse. Jameka recently worked with the Bermuda Department of Parks as the Assistant Park Planner, but in July 2021 moved to Pennsylvania with Charlene and their 7-year-old son. She now works with the County of Chester as a Capital Projects Coordinator. Outside of work, she can be found exploring trails, gardens and parks, as well as reading inspiring and self-improvement books. Jameka believes that everyone deserves to live a healthy, safe, and good life, however that looks for each individual.
Tiara S. Webb
(she/her)
Tiara S. Webb, an experienced marketing professional, brings expertise across healthcare, arts, and non-profit industries in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Currently serving as the Marketing and Engagement Officer at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Bermuda, she adeptly applies strategic insight to address complex marketing challenges. Tiara's professional path is enriched by her love for poetry, music, and travel, showcasing her endless curiosity and strong aspiration to leave a lasting impact on the world. Tiara's unwavering dedication to her field and personal development highlights her pursuit of excellence and meaningful contributions to society.