By Samuel Marriott-Dowding, CEO, Marriott Communications
When you strip everything back, who is Benjamin Lloyd, and what has shaped him most?
At my core, I am someone who wants to make people feel seen, valued, and understood. Everything I do, whether it is teaching, performing, or advocacy, comes back to connection. I am shaped by my journey through mental health struggles and sobriety, which forced me to really confront who I am and who I want to be.
Was there a moment in your life when you truly felt seen for the first time? What did that change for you?
There was not one single moment, it was more of a shift that happened when I started speaking openly about my mental health and my sobriety. The first time I shared those parts of my life and people responded with understanding, not judgement, it changed everything. It allowed me to stop hiding behind a version of myself that felt safe, and start living as someone who felt real.
If your younger self could see you now, what do you think he would say?
I think my younger self would feel a mix of emotions. I think he would feel relief that he made it to a place where he can be open, confident, and proud of who he is. I think he would feel comfort in knowing that the things he once struggled with do not define him anymore. But I also think he would be emotional, because there were times where he did not think this version of life was possible.
What does meaningful allyship look like to you, particularly in your role at OUT North East?
Meaningful allyship, especially in my role at OUT North East, is about moving beyond intention and into real, visible action. It is not enough for organisations to say they support the LGBTQIA plus community, it is about how that support shows up in practice, consistently and authentically.
For me, a huge part of that is the partnerships I build. As Commercial Manager, I have a responsibility to ensure that the organisations we work with are not just looking for visibility, but are genuinely invested in supporting the community. That means creating opportunities where businesses can give back in a meaningful way, whether that is through funding community initiatives, supporting workshops, or helping us create safe and inclusive spaces within the ONE Centre.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited to build, not just achieve?
I am really excited about building spaces and platforms that bring people together in a meaningful way. That could be through performance, through education, or through community work, but the core of it is connection.
I want to build opportunities for people who may not always feel like they have a place. Whether that is young people finding confidence through performing arts, or individuals within the LGBTQIA plus community finding safe and supportive spaces, I want to create environments where people can grow and feel empowered.
I am also excited about building something that has longevity. Not just one moment or one achievement, but something that continues to support and impact people beyond me. That idea of creating something that lasts and continues to make a difference is what really drives me.
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