Riyadh Khalaf

Irish-Iraqi social media star and LGBT+ activist, Riyadh Khalaf, has grown exponentially in prominence since he first hit the entertainment industry. The broadcaster and YouTube sensation shares the intimate details of his life, including how he copes with homophobic attacks and the demanding schedule of a content creator. With hundreds of thousands of YouTube subscribers, Riyadh’s consistent uploads serve to normalise LGBT+ relationships in popular media, dismantling the stereotypes surrounding different sexualities. When booked for events, he can feature in a multitude of roles, from LGBT+ speaker to brand ambassador and special guest.

With years of experience in the entertainment industry, Riyadh has thrived in both radio, television and online content creation. Working with the Irish radio stations 98FM and Spin 103.8, he also lent his talents to RTE 2’s TwoTube. Shifting his focus to video production, Riyadh worked with MailOnline and BBC, with whom he presented Queer Britain, a telling documentary series. From Buzzfeed to CNN and Cosmopolitan, Riyadh’s content can be found across a plethora of media platforms, while his independent YouTube content garners millions of views. As an authority on modern production and broadcasting, his speeches supply audiences with a behind the scenes view of British television, Irish radio and international online giants, like Buzzfeed.

Having struggled to come to terms with his own sexuality, and the threat of extended family members trying to force him into Syrian conversion therapy, Riyadh wrote Yay! You’re Gay! Now What?. The book has been a guide for thousands of young gay men across the world, teaching them the importance of self-love in a discriminatory world. Infused with anecdotes from Riyadh’s own life, the highly-rated memoir includes the experiences of his religious parents, who in the beginning struggled with Riyadh’s sexuality. When booked for events, he reflects upon the sentiments in his book, opening heterosexual audiences’ eyes to the plight of the LGBT+ community, inspiring them to open their minds and hearts.

Additional media outlets for Riyadh include his podcast, Unexpected Fluid. The honest and occasionally NSFW show discusses all experiences of the LGBT+ community – especially in the bedroom. Though Riyadh can tailor his speeches to his audience, this unabashed discussion is widely entertaining. Never too far from the screen, Riyadh has also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, winning series 15 with his infusion of traditional Irish dishes and Iraqi cuisine. Those who have witnessed Riyadh present can agree, this icon of the LGBT+ community shines on the stage and screen. With his natural confidence and charm, audiences instantly gravitate towards Riyadh’s down to earth, likeable personality.