{{short description|British journalist and political activist (born 1981)}} {{Multiple issues| {{Cleanup|reason=See WP:CITEKILL regarding citation clutter.|date=September 2023}} {{Cleanup reorganize|date=September 2023}} {{Lead too short|date=September 2023}} }} {{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox person | name = Adam Yosef | image = | alt = | caption = | native_name_lang = | birth_date = {{birth-date and age|September 1981}} | birth_place = Marston Green, England | death_date = | death_place = | death_cause = | resting_place = | other_names = | education = | alma_mater = | occupation = Journalist | years_active = 2002–present {{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} | employer = | organization = | agent = | known_for = Journalism and political activism | notable_works = }}
'''Adam Yosef''' (born September 1981) is a British journalist, photojournalist and political activist.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=AUTHI |first1=JASBIR |last2=Haworth |first2=Jessica |date=2016-06-28 |title=Millionaire speaks out after telling police 'my shoes cost more than your wage' |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/young-millionaire-breaks-silence-after-8299749 |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref>
== Background == Yosef was born in September 1981 in Marston Green, England<ref>{{Cite web |last=BBC |title=Faces behind the faith |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/07/15/faces_behind_the_faith_feature.shtml |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> and is of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage, with family from India, Pakistan{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}, Kashmir and Iraq. His immediate family is British and Spanish.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-25 |title=British filmmaker enlisted to bridge gap between migrants and journalists |url=https://wntv.co.uk/birmingham-based-journalist-and-filmmaker/ |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=World News TV |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fofana |first=Aida |date=2022-12-22 |title=What it means to be a migrant in Birmingham in 2022 |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-home-what-means-migrant-25791706 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=BirminghamLive |language=en}}</ref>
==Activism==
In 2003, Yosef co-founded the interfaith Saltley Gate Peace Group,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-02-01 |title=Terror arrests anger community |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6320021.stm |access-date=2022-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Police raids foil plot to kill British Muslim soldier; Adam Yosef... |url=https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/video/police-raids-foil-plot-to-kill-british-muslim-soldier-news-footage/671587604 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Getty Images |date=22 April 2017 |language=en-gb}}</ref> a community peace initiative which was formed in response to the threat of war in Iraq as a part of the growing peace movement in Britain following 9/11, and he was Community & Interfaith Liaison Officer for the Birmingham Stop the War Coalition<ref name="Community 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/07/15/faces_behind_the_faith_feature.shtml |title=Faces behind the faith |publisher= – BBC |date=18 July 2005}}</ref> during this period.
He has been actively involved in community work which is related to the Lozells riots, the Alum Rock terror raids<ref name="Terror Raids 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/birminghams-muslims-fear-reprisals-after-antiterror-raids-434552.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726154352/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/birminghams-muslims-fear-reprisals-after-antiterror-raids-434552.html |archive-date=26 July 2009 |title=Birmingham's Muslims fear reprisals after anti-terror raids |publisher= – The Independent |date=1 February 2007| location=London| first=Terri| last=Judd}}</ref><ref name="Terror Raids 2">{{cite web |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/uk/A-new-kind-of-terror.3342957.jp |title=A new kind of terror comes to these shores |publisher= – The Scotsman |date=1 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=239|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928145510/http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=239|archive-date=2007-09-28|title=The Asian Today Online - News - Birmingham rocked by terror raids|date=2007-09-28|url-status=usurped|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref> and campaigning against radical groups in the Midlands.<ref name="Radical Groups 1">{{cite web |url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/mail/news/tm_headline=anger-over-anti-british-hate-posters&method=full&objectid=19184248&siteid=50002-name_page.html |title=Anger over anti-British hate posters |publisher= – Birmingham Mail |date=24 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="Radical Groups 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/tm_headline%3Danti-british-stickers-spark-protests%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19187228%26siteid%3D50002-name_page.html |title=Anti-British stickers spark protests |publisher=– Birmingham Post |date=24 May 2007 |access-date=24 May 2010 |archive-date=25 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925074131/http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/tm_headline%3Danti-british-stickers-spark-protests%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19187228%26siteid%3D50002-name_page.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Radical Groups 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/tm_headline%3Dmuslim-party-in-posters-denial%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19195934%26siteid%3D50002-name_page.html |title=Muslim party in posters denial |publisher=– Birmingham Mail |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=19 May 2009 |archive-date=13 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313151924/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/tm_headline%3Dmuslim-party-in-posters-denial%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19195934%26siteid%3D50002-name_page.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In his early twenties, Yosef slept rough on the streets of London before being assisted by The Salvation Army.<ref name="Homeless1">{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2010/12/03/volunteers-to-sleep-out-in-digbeth-to-raise-plight-of-homeless-97319-27758397/ |title=Volunteers to sleep out in Digbeth to raise plight of homeless |publisher=– Birmingham Mail |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=31 December 2010 |archive-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930132907/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2010/12/03/volunteers-to-sleep-out-in-digbeth-to-raise-plight-of-homeless-97319-27758397/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> As a result, founded the Birmingham Food Drive in 2012, which regularly provides food, clothes and essential items to homeless people in the city, and is an active supporter of youth homelessness charity St Basils.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/local-news/volunteers-to-sleep-out-in-digbeth-to-raise-136644|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629123734/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/local-news/volunteers-to-sleep-out-in-digbeth-to-raise-136644|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2019|title=Volunteers to sleep out in Digbeth to raise plight of homeless|last=Authi|first=Jasbir|date=2010-12-03|website=birminghammail|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref name="Homeless2">{{cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/volunteers-give-food-and-supplies-to-birminghams-398028|title=Volunteers offer a helping hand to Birmingham's homeless|date=2 January 2013|publisher=– Birmingham Mail}}</ref><ref name="Homeless3">{{cite web|url=http://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2014/01/09/volunteers-feed-birminghams-homeless-over-christmas/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309071757/http://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2014/01/09/volunteers-feed-birminghams-homeless-over-christmas/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 March 2017|title=Volunteers feed Birmingham's homeless over Christmas|date=9 January 2014|publisher=– The Asian Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/food-clothes-even-haircuts-dished-10711713|title=Food, clothes and even haircuts are dished out to Birmingham's homeless|last=Ali|first=Tanzila|date=2016-01-10|website=birminghammail|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref> He has also written for Pavement, the magazine for the rough sleepers in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thepavement.org.uk/stories/1415|title=Sleeping out for St Basil's|last=Napier|first=Sarah|date=10 February 2012|website=The Pavement}}</ref>
Between 2011 and 2017, Yosef co-organised the Birmingham Zombie Walk, an annual event which raised thousands of pounds for Birmingham Children's Hospital,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/your-communities/your-communities-news-birmingham-childrens-5753174|title=Your Communities: News from Birmingham Children's Hospital|last=Live|first=Birmingham|date=2013-08-20|website=birminghammail|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2018/09/24/birmingham-zombie-walk-discontinued-childrens-hospital-charity-announce/|title=Birmingham Zombie Walk "discontinued", Children's Hospital charity announce|last=Korpal|first=Vimal|date=2018-09-24|website=I Am Birmingham|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref> as part of an ongoing commitment to the charity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2011/04/06/taking-the-mailbox-plunge/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629123722/https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2011/04/06/taking-the-mailbox-plunge/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2019|title=Taking the Mailbox Plunge - News|last=Today|first=The Asian|date=2011-04-06|website=The Asian Today Online|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ethnicnow.com/channels/tv-radio-media/press-release/10/1716/multi-faith-santas-bear-gifts-for-childrens-hospital.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222155014/http://www.ethnicnow.com/channels/tv-radio-media/press-release/10/1716/multi-faith-santas-bear-gifts-for-childrens-hospital.html|archive-date=2008-02-22|title=Multi-faith Santas bear gifts for Children's Hospital {{!}} TV, Radio & Media {{!}} Ethnic Now|date=2008-02-22|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref>
In 2015, Yosef co-founded the Birmingham chapter of the national anti-racism organisation Stand Up To Racism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/19/new-funny-tinge-jokes-continue-to-ridicule-angela-smiths-racism-gaffe-8669448/|title=New 'funny tinge' jokes continue to ridicule Angela Smith's racism gaffe|date=2019-02-19|website=Metro|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Catalina George|title=Adam Yosef (Stand Up To Racism Birmingham) on why political action is needed to combat racism|date=5 February 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnIjVBvx8gw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tnIjVBvx8gw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2019-01-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/StandUTR/videos/1086143964830771/|title=Stand Up To Racism|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nishkammediacentre.com/2015/11/16/i-am-birmingham-birmingham-unites-for-victims-of-terror-attacks/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322050620/http://nishkammediacentre.com/2015/11/16/i-am-birmingham-birmingham-unites-for-victims-of-terror-attacks/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 March 2016|title=I Am Birmingham – Birmingham unites for victims of terror attacks|last=nishkammediacentre|date=2015-11-16|language=en|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref> He is an organiser for Stop the War Coalition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-28 |title=Ukraine conflict: protesters gather for demonstration in Birmingham |url=https://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/ukraine-conflict-protesters-gather-for-demonstration-in-birmingham-3590611 |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=www.birminghamworld.uk |language=en}}</ref>
In 2021, Yosef co-founded Birmingham Against LGBTQI+ Hate, informally and commonly known as Brum Against Hate, alongside activists Saima Razzaq and Salman Mirza. The group organises rallies against homophobic attacks in the city and has called on city leaders to facilitate better relationships between communities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Nathan |date=2022-11-21 |title=Faith leaders 'have to stand' with gay community to face off hate |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/faith-leaders-dont-coming-out-25543544 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=BirminghamLive |language=en}}</ref>
==Public media career==
=== PR and communications === Between 2003 and 2004, Yosef was employed by the Birmingham Central Mosque as a Press & Public Relations representative. He regularly appeared as spokesperson for the trust alongside its chairman, Dr Mohammad Naseem.<ref name="Mosque Spokesman 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.talktalk.co.uk/news/topnews/reuters/2004/10/13/bigleytributedestroyedatmosque.html|title=Bigley tribute destroyed at mosque|date=31 October 2004|publisher=– Reuters}}</ref><ref name="Mosque Spokesman 2">{{cite web|url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/mercury/content_objectid=14052078_method=full_siteid=50002_headline=-Condolences-book-stolen-from-mosque-name_page.html|title=Condolences book stolen from mosque|date=14 March 2004|publisher=– Sunday Mercury}}</ref><ref name="Mosque Spokesman 3">{{cite web|url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/mail/content_objectid=14054862_method=full_siteid=50002_headline=-Police-probe-Mosque-s-condolence-book-theft-name_page.html|title=Police probe Mosque's condolence book theft|date=15 March 2004|publisher=– Reuters}}</ref><ref name="Mosque Spokesman 4">{{cite web|url=http://lenta.ru/world/2004/10/13/book/|title=Из мечети Бирмингема украдена книга соболезнований Кеннету Бигли|date=15 March 2004|publisher=– Lenta.Ru}}</ref><ref name="Mosque Spokesman 5">{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukpress/2980366237/sizes/l/in/photostream/|title=Hunt is on for Bigley body|date=13 October 2004|publisher=– Metro}}</ref>
From 2005, he was Press Officer for politician Salma Yaqoob, the former leader of the Respect Party. He was also Press & Social Media Officer for Yaqoob during the 2010 general election.<ref name="Press Officer">{{cite web|url=http://www.progressonline.org.uk/2006/02/28/on-the-radar/|title=On the radar|date=May 2010|publisher=– Progress Magazine|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312031138/http://www.progressonline.org.uk/2006/02/28/on-the-radar/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Press Officer 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.salmayaqoob.com/2010/12/help-adam-raise-money-for-st-basils.html|title=Help Adam raise money for St Basils|date=3 December 2010|publisher=– Salma Yaqoob|access-date=31 December 2010|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120203908/http://www.salmayaqoob.com/2010/12/help-adam-raise-money-for-st-basils.html|archive-date=20 January 2011}}</ref>
=== Journalism === Between 2005 and 2006, Yosef was senior journalist with ''The Asian Today'' and ''Desi Xpress'', owned by Urban Media.
In 2007, Yosef was appointed deputy editor of national entertainment magazine ''Ikonz''. In 2008, he became a columnist for ''Fusian'' magazine.
In July 2009, Yosef launched ''I Am Birmingham'', an independent news website serving the West Midlands region, of which he is Editor-in-Chief.<ref name="Adam Yosef I Am Birmingham 2">{{cite web |url=http://iambirmingham.co.uk/meet-the-team/ |title=I Am Birmingham: Meet the Team |publisher= – I Am Birmingham |date=May 2010}}</ref><ref name="I Am Birmingham 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.it/t/journalism-in-the-us/p/794372747/2011/12/09/filling-the-gaps-how-citizen-journalism-is-replacing-local-press-the-journalism-foundation |title=Filling the gaps: how citizen journalism is replacing local press |publisher=– The Journalism Foundation |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=8 March 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312032052/http://www.scoop.it/t/journalism-in-the-us/p/794372747/2011/12/09/filling-the-gaps-how-citizen-journalism-is-replacing-local-press-the-journalism-foundation |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/lord-aleem-apologises-lamborghini-police-11532019|title=Lord Aleem apologises for Lamborghini police road rage incident|last=Authi|first=Jasbir|date=2016-06-27|website=birminghammail|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/self-styled-lord-tired-being-8297736|title=Young millionaire tells police 'My shoes cost more than your f***ing wages'|last=AUTHI|first=JASBIR|date=2016-06-27|website=mirror|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/young-millionaire-lamborghini-driver-apologises-for-rant-at-police/news-story/90c12968d6b3fe7c51d74d5d1bfaac49|title=Young millionaire brat offers apology to cops|date=2016-06-29|website=NewsComAu|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref>
In August 2011, he was attacked by rioters while covering the 2011 England riots, during which he suffered a cut to the face and a swollen jaw.<ref name=Riots>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2011/09/07/punched-in-the-face-and-attacked-four-times-within-five-minutes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307224702/http://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2011/09/07/punched-in-the-face-and-attacked-four-times-within-five-minutes/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=7 March 2016 |title=Punched in the face and attacked four times within five minutes |publisher= – The Asian Today |date=7 September 2011}}</ref>
Yosef has regularly written for the BBC, creating content highlighting issues of socio-politics, diversity, culture, racism and religion.<ref name=Racism>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/your_community/2004/04/le_pen/against_hate.shtml |title=Why I stand against hate, why I stand with Brummies |publisher= – BBC |date=July 2004}}</ref><ref name=Politics>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/03/23/power_of_protest_community_feature.shtml |title=The Power of Protest |publisher= – BBC |date=March 2005}}</ref><ref name=Poverty1>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/07/26/adam_g8_feature.shtml |title=Painting the town white – Making Poverty History |publisher= – BBC |date=July 2005}}</ref><ref name=Poverty2>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/07/05/adam_mph_edinburgh_feature.shtml |title=March on Gleneagles – Peace amidst violence |publisher= – BBC |date=July 2005}}</ref> He has also written for the ''Birmingham Mail'', Jewish news website ''The Forward'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adam Yosef Archives |url=https://forward.com/authors/adam-yosef/ |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=The Forward |language=en}}</ref> Muslim news website ''IlmFeed'',<ref>{{Cite news |title=Adam Yosef |url=https://ilmfeed.com/author/adam_yosef/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128094528/https://ilmfeed.com/author/adam_yosef/ |archive-date=2019-01-28 |access-date=2022-10-26 |work=IlmFeed}}</ref> and has had his work featured in ''The Washington Post'', ''The Mirror'', and ''Al Jazeera''.<ref name=BirminghamMail>{{cite web |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/family-life/education/2008/09/02/in-a-world-of-excess-ramadan-is-welcomed-by-many-who-wish-to-evaluate-and-change-their-monotonous-and-unfulfilling-daily-routine-97319-21655768/ |title=In a world of excess, Ramadan is welcomed by many who wish to evaluate and change their monotonous and unfulfilling daily routine |publisher=– Birmingham Mail |date=September 2008 |access-date=26 October 2010 |archive-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930131538/http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/family-life/education/2008/09/02/in-a-world-of-excess-ramadan-is-welcomed-by-many-who-wish-to-evaluate-and-change-their-monotonous-and-unfulfilling-daily-routine-97319-21655768/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== Controversies ==
=== Homophobic comments === * In the December 2005 issue of the British Asian newspaper ''Desi Xpress'' (Issue 42), he made homophobic remarks about the UK's new civil partnership law for same-sex couples, including remarks such as "Hmm... gay weddings... Gay people and commitment? I don't think so... They'll be shagging the neighbours before they even cut the cake. Bad idea I'm afraid. Great way of evading tax though...." He later apologised and retracted his comments in the same newspaper, claiming his opinions were misinterpreted.<ref name="Statement 2">{{cite web |url=http://desixpress.co.uk/statement.aspx |title=Official Statement from Adam Yosef |publisher= – Desi Xpress |date=January 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060206095537/http://desixpress.co.uk/statement.aspx |archive-date = 6 February 2006}}</ref><ref name="Civil Partnerships">{{cite web |url=http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/axe-grinder-200106-33014/ |title=Axe grinder 20.01.06 |publisher= – Press Gazette |date=20 January 2006}}</ref>
=== Peter Tatchell === * In January 2006, he subsequently wrote another article for the same newspaper on bigotry, in which he named Peter Tatchell, leader of OutRage!, Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, and Omar Bakri Mohammed, leader of Al-Muhajiroun, as the three top "hate filled bigots" in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2006/01/17/outrage-at-lack-of-respect-for-gay-campaigner/|title=Outrage at lack of respect for gay campaigner|date=2006-01-17|website=PinkNews |language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref> He also said that Tatchell "needs a good slap in the face" and that he and his "queer campaign army" should "pack their bent bags and head back to Australia." After complaints that he was homophobic and inciting violence, Yosef claimed that he had "misspoken" and apologised for any perceived homophobia, but maintained the view that Tatchell was a bigot <ref name="Adam Yosef Peter Tatchell apology">{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2006/01/18/columnist-issues-apology-to-gay-campaigner/ |title=Columnist issues apology to gay campaigner |publisher= – Pink Paper |date=20 January 2006}}</ref><ref>[http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/01/331187.html?c=on#c139327 UK Indymedia – Peter Tatchell attacks Muslim journalist!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> saying that the reference to Australia was intended as a reference to the Cronulla riots in Sydney.<ref name="Statement 2" /> The newspaper gave Tatchell a full-page right of reply. * ''Tribune'' magazine, allied to the left of the Labour Party, criticised Yosef and suggested his NUJ card should be withdrawn.<ref name="Tribune magazine">{{cite web |url = http://www.islamophobia-watch.com/islamophobia-watch/2006/1/20/more-islamophobic-crap-from-tribune.html |title = More Islamophobic crap from Tribune |publisher = – Islamophobia Watch |date = 20 January 2006 |access-date = 28 March 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060508172824/http://www.islamophobia-watch.com/islamophobia-watch/2006/1/20/more-islamophobic-crap-from-tribune.html |archive-date = 8 May 2006 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> He was further described as "bigoted" and "hate-driven" by ''Progress'' magazine, which is allied to the Blairite faction of the Labour Party and criticised by the Green Party,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2381 |title=Vitriolic attack on gay-rights campaigner |publisher= – Green Party |date=24 January 2006}}</ref> of which Tatchell is a member. Respect defended Yosef, citing his BBC articles supporting LGBT pride.<ref name="Pride support 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/06/02/pride_the_real_rainbow_gay_village_feature.shtml |title=Pride-The Real Rainbow |publisher= – BBC |date=May 2005}}</ref><ref name="Pride support 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2009/05/20/pride_09_feature.shtml |title=Birmingham Pride |publisher= – BBC |date=25 May 2009}}</ref> The party stated it opposed "homophobia and anti-gay violence".<ref name="Respect Party Defence">{{cite web |url=http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/01/331831.html?c=on#c145370 |title=Galloway activist urges: assault Tatchell |publisher= – Indymedia |date=20 January 2006}}</ref> In October 2009, Yosef pledged his formal support to Tatchell's General Election parliamentary candidacy for the Green Party of England and Wales, calling for the left to "embrace a mutual personal and political commitment towards equality and human rights".<ref name="Peter Tatchell Endorse 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.gscene.com/national/Muslim_homophobe_backs_Tatchell_s_bid_to_be_MP.shtml |title=Muslim "homophobe" backs Tatchell's bid to be MP |publisher=GScene Magazine |date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711132438/http://www.gscene.com/national/Muslim_homophobe_backs_Tatchell_s_bid_to_be_MP.shtml |archive-date=11 July 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Peter Tatchell Endorse 2">{{cite web |url = http://www.dnamagazine.com.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=10594 |title = Muslim 'Homophobe' Endorses Activist MP Candidate |publisher = – DNA Magazine |date = 26 October 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929163455/http://www.dnamagazine.com.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=10594 |archive-date = 29 September 2011 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> Yosef and Tatchell have met several times since, at Pride events and Tatchell has been interviewed by Yosef in his capacity as a journalist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-05-27 |title=IN PICTURES: "Out and proud" as equal love championed at Birmingham Pride 2013 |url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2013/05/27/pictures-out-proud-equal-love-championed-birmingham-pride-2013/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=I Am Birmingham |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=6 June 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVXcUFHZZkU |title=GE2017 {{!}} Peter Tatchell on Queer Question Time and supporting The Green Party {{!}} I Am Birmingham |publisher=IAmBirmingham |via=YouTube |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125615/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVXcUFHZZkU |archive-date=3 February 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Yosef has described his comments at the time as "satire" and "self-depreciation" but admits this became "disjointed" and lost in a charge that focused on his religious identity rather than his sexual identity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-09 |title=Adam Yosef on Twitter: "1/ This has been previously stated but when I originally wrote those words/comments around 15 years ago, they featured in several different articles and disjointed opinion segments with a combination of satire, self-deprecation, sarcasm and tabloid sensationalism.… |url=https://twitter.com/AdamYosef/status/1270147436649078784 |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609002447/https://twitter.com/AdamYosef/status/1270147436649078784 |archive-date=9 June 2020 |access-date=2023-02-03 }}</ref> In a June 2020 Twitter thread, he clarified: "This has been previously stated but when I originally wrote those words/comments around 15 years ago, they featured in several different articles and disjointed opinion segments with a combination of satire, self-deprecation, sarcasm and tabloid sensationalism. Isolated and within context, much of what was written wasn't an issue and raised no eyebrows, until paired with a later piece I wrote that included mention of campaigner Peter Tatchell. This piece panders to an editorial style I accepted was problematic and apologised for." * He has challenged accusations of homophobia which he states overlook his work in the LGBT+ community in favour of a radical Muslim stereotype narrative:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Adam Yosef on Twitter: "@QueerhanKhan @McSaima @LGBTLabourWM @RKDasgupta @neeyulll 1/ This has been previously stated but when I originally wrote those words/comments around 15 years ago, they featured in several different articles and disjointed opinion segments with a combination of satire, self-deprecation, sarcasm and tabloid sensationalism." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/AdamYosef/status/1270147436649078784 |access-date=2023-02-03 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203112814/https://twitter.com/AdamYosef/status/1270147436649078784 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> "The claim and notion that I was or am homophobic is wrong. I have never been homophobic. The idea that I was homophobic until I 'came out', as mentioned above, is false, without evidence and extremely dangerous. It plays into a racial and religious stereotype, the trope of a 'conservative/repressed/religious/self-hating queer' with an inferior and intolerant culture or faith. This is false. I have never been 'in' as it were and have always personally identified as queer without any kind of self-denial. Prior to the controversy over the PT [Peter Tatchell] column, I wrote a number of articles about LGBT issues and identity, including reviews of Pride marches and the inclusion of early LGBT stories in South Asian/Arab media platforms; and introducing LGBT listings in these, which was rare. "There was no doubt to those who knew and know me as to where I stood and stand on LGBT+ rights and identity. However I was also very aware of how I was perceived within the same community as a POC/Muslim/queer/bisexual/pansexual individual. It wasn't often favourably."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thread by @AdamYosef on Thread Reader App |url=https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1270145848257785862.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=threadreaderapp.com}}</ref>
=== Labour Party === * In October 2019, public letters written by LGBT+ Labour and LGBT+ Labour West Midlands accusing West Midlands mayoral candidate Salma Yaqoob of homophobia, included claims Yosef was previously employed by Yaqoob and had "called for violence against LGBT+ activists".<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Cope |first=John |user=john_cope |number=1186038508605050881 |date=20 October 2019 |title=Well done to @LGBTLabourWM for calling out the deeply questionable behaviour & comments of @SalmaYaqoob - a frontrunner to be their candidate for the West Midlands mayoral election This cannot be ignored https://t.co/Ikh9lNUHZm |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125613/https://twitter.com/john_cope/status/1186038508605050881 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> The letters were shared and endorsed by Labour MPs Wes Streeting<ref>{{cite tweet |author=LGBT+ Labour |author-link=LGBT+ Labour |user=LGBTLabour |number=1186333837376311296 |date=21 October 2019 |title=We are extremely concerned by Salma Yaqoob's comments on LGBT+ issues, and by her decisions to share platforms with those that espouse anti-LGBT+ hatred. We fully support both the letter sent by the LGBT+ PLP below, and the letter sent by @LGBTLabourWM to Salma Yaqoob directly. https://t.co/b09ZenfRHh |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205002750/https://twitter.com/LGBTLabour/status/1186333837376311296 |archive-date=5 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=LGBT+ Labour |author-link=LGBT+ Labour West Midlands |user=LGBTLabourWM |number=1186254903313874944 |date=21 October 2019 |title=Thank you @wesstreeting and all of our great LGBT+ MPs for speaking out on our behalf 🌹 As @SalmaYaqoob has not yet answered any of our questions, we appreciate the support as we try and ensure that all our Metro Mayor candidates take LGBT+ voices seriously https://t.co/9AX6nwEarx |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021123337/https://twitter.com/LGBTLabourWM/status/1186254903313874944 |archive-date=21 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Ben Bradshaw. Yaqoob defended her relationship with Yosef, stating: "Adam is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and is an active campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights, who was pivotal in promoting Muslim groups' involvement in Birmingham Pride."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madeley |first=Peter |title='I stand in full solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community': Mayoral candidate hits back after homophobia claims |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/politics/2019/10/22/i-stand-in-full-solidarity-with-the-lgbtq-community-mayoral-candidate-hits-back-after-homophobia-claims/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=www.expressandstar.com |date=22 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Yaqoob's responses to the points made in the letters were backed by LGBT+ activists Owen Jones,<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Jones |first=Owen |author-link=Owen Jones |user=OwenJones84 |number=1186368416996876289 |date=21 October 2019 |title=Zac Goldsmith's Islamophobic onslaught against Sadiq Khan was one of the ugliest election campaigns since the war. The attempt to rehash this strategy against @SalmaYaqoob - a proud ally of LGBTQ people, who rebuts all the allegations against her here - cannot be tolerated. https://t.co/h1D8VjbBRN |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021201018/https://twitter.com/OwenJones84/status/1186368416996876289 |archive-date=21 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last=Jones |first=Owen |author-link=Owen Jones |user=OwenJones84 |number=1186385969974595590 |date=21 October 2019 |title=@sunny_hundal She's responded point by point to the accusations on LGBTQ issues. I backed her partly because I consider a solid LGBTQ ally. She has rebutted the accusations. Do you question that rebuttal, and how? Do we allow prominent Muslim LGBTQ allies to be driven from public life? |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021210415/https://twitter.com/OwenJones84/status/1186385969974595590 |archive-date=21 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Saima Razzaq<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Razzaq |first=Saima |author-link=Saima Razzaq |user=McSaima |number=1186620047474737152 |date=22 October 2019 |title=@QueerhanKhan @SThompson_JP @LGBTLabourWM @AdamYosef Ah I see the pitchfork crew are at it again. Disgusting behaviour from @UKLabour members |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023010344/https://twitter.com/McSaima/status/1186620047474737152 |archive-date=23 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> and UK Black Pride Director Pav Akhtar,<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Akhtar |first=Pav |user=pav_akhtar |number=1186010003666358272 |date=20 October 2019 |title=@SalmaYaqoob As an LGBT Muslim & campaigner (I'm ex chair of Imaan the LGBT+ Muslim org, & director of UK Black Pride), happy to confirm the active & uncompromising solidarity @salmayaqoob's given us LGBTs against bigots. Want to know her record? Ask those of us she's stood up for & we'll say |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021061136/https://twitter.com/pav_akhtar/status/1186010003666358272 |archive-date=21 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last=Akhtar |first=Pav |user=pav_akhtar |number=1192534680333103106 |date=7 November 2019 |title=@jonwalker121 These @SalmaYaqoob homophobia smears need to stop! I'm LGBT Muslim, campaigned 25yrs on LGBT rights, shared platform/space with Salma opposing homophobia/hate. She's faced death threats for backing us LGBTs @BirminghamPride; she signposted LGBTs to our @ukblackpride services https://t.co/WuRmRiDCM7 |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203140114/https://twitter.com/pav_akhtar/status/1192534680333103106 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> who described Yaqoob as an ally. LGBT+ Labour West Midlands has since removed the original letter from their Twitter account.
== Politics == Yosef is a former member of the Respect Party,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/721/%20'People%20feel%20sky-high%20at%20%20%20%20Respect's%20campaign'|title='People feel sky-high at Respect's campaign'|website=Socialist Worker (Britain)|date=10 July 2004 |access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/468/Respect|title=Respect|website=Socialist Worker (Britain)|date=4 February 2006 |access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/845/%26%2339%3BWe+make+a+difference%26%2339%3B|title=We make a difference|last=Shooter|first=Helen|date=17 July 2004|website=Socialist Worker}}</ref> campaigning for the party in Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-05-07 |title=A moral victory for Salma Yaqoob in Birmingham |url=https://socialistworker.co.uk/features/a-moral-victory-for-salma-yaqoob-in-birmingham/ |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=Socialist Worker |language=en-GB}}</ref> He supported the Green Party of England and Wales in October 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-11 |title=Muslim "homophobe" backs Tatchell's bid to be MP {{!}} National {{!}} Gscene Magazine |url=http://www.gscene.com/national/Muslim_homophobe_backs_Tatchell_s_bid_to_be_MP.shtml |access-date=2023-02-03 |archive-date=11 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711132438/http://www.gscene.com/national/Muslim_homophobe_backs_Tatchell_s_bid_to_be_MP.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== Personal life == Yosef is Muslim and identifies as pansexual.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muxworthy |first=Catherine |date=2022-12-12 |title=Brum Against Hate calls on leaders to stand with the LGBTQ+ community |url=https://www.gscene.com/birmingham/brum-against-hate-calls-on-leaders-to-stand-with-the-lgbtq-community/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Scene Magazine - From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life |language=en-US |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125612/https://www.gscene.com/birmingham/brum-against-hate-calls-on-leaders-to-stand-with-the-lgbtq-community/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Honours==
In October 2007, Yosef was included in Ikonz magazine's special Halloween photo shoot, in which he was transformed into a The Crow. He was featured alongside actors from television soap Hollyoaks and presenters from the BBC Asian Network.<ref name="Ikonz Halloween">{{cite web |url=http://www.ethnicnow.com/channels/editors-choice/press-release/1/1560/hollyoaks-stars-photoshoot-for-brit-asian-magazine.html |title=Hollyoaks Stars photoshoot for Brit Asian Magazine |publisher=– Ethnic Now |date=11 October 2007 |access-date=28 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304044952/http://www.ethnicnow.com/channels/editors-choice/press-release/1/1560/hollyoaks-stars-photoshoot-for-brit-asian-magazine.html |archive-date=4 March 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dholaholic.com/news/126/ARTICLE/1286/2007-10-08.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211093657/http://www.dholaholic.com/news/126/ARTICLE/1286/2007-10-08.html|archive-date=2007-12-11|title=Kreepy. Kooky. Spooky. Ooky|date=2007-12-11|access-date=2019-06-29}}</ref>
In March 2008, he was included in the top 50 most eligible bachelors list for Asian Woman magazine.<ref name="Asian Woman">{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/40337805@N05/5142401902/sizes/l/in/photostream/ |title=Asian Woman Top 50 2008 Bachelors |publisher= – Asian Woman |date=March 2008}}</ref>
In November 2017, he was nominated and shortlisted for the Inspirational Man accolade at the Birmingham Inspiration Awards.<ref name="Inspiration Award">{{cite web |url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2017/11/01/birmingham-inspiration-awards-2017-nominees/ |title=Birmingham Inspiration Awards 2017: The Nominees |publisher= – I Am Birmingham |date=November 2017}}</ref>
In September 2018, Yosef was nominated and shortlisted for the Excellence in Media accolade at The Birmingham Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.birminghamawards.co.uk/shortlist-announced-2018/|title=The Birmingham Award's 2018 Shortlist Announced - Voting is now open!|date=2018-09-28|website=The Birmingham Awards|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2018/10/01/birmingham-awards-2018-shortlist-announced-voting-opens/|title=Birmingham Awards' 2018 shortlist announced as voting opens|date=2018-10-01|website=I Am Birmingham|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref>
In 2019 and 2021, he was nominated in the Positive Role Model (LGBT) category for the National Diversity Awards.<ref name="merged1">{{cite tweet |author=National Diversity Awards |author-link=National Diversity Awards |user=ndawards |number=1115963091093794816 |date=10 April 2019 |title=Congratulations to Adam Yosef! Nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for LGBT at the 2019 National Diversity Awards! Vote for Emovis by clicking here! - https://t.co/omKYLTbxhI #LGBT #NDA19 https://t.co/t7OvhLc4rk |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021212811/https://twitter.com/ndawards/status/1115963091093794816 |archive-date=21 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=National Diversity Awards |author-link=National Diversity Awards |user=ndawards |number=1384099178582663168 |date=19 April 2021 |title=Congratulations to Adam Yosef @adamyosef who has been nominated for the Positive Role Model (LGBT) Award at The National Diversity Awards 2021. To vote please visit https://t.co/1wImKK7MFx #NDA21 #Nominate #VotingNowOpen https://t.co/VkHTuYuTh3 |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419105940/https://twitter.com/ndawards/status/1384099178582663168 |archive-date=19 April 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2020, Yosef was presented with an honorary award for 'Outstanding Contribution to LGBTQ+ Equality' award by ''Midlands Zone'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 September 2020 |title=Midlands Zone magazine |url=https://www.facebook.com/midlandszone/photos/t.100000724995605/10157306798796776/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026114531/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmidlandszone%2Fphotos%2Ft.100000724995605%2F10157306798796776%2F |archive-date=2022-10-26 |website=Facebook}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links== *[http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/2008/02/25/man-20-critical-after-shooting-in-shop-65233-20521371/ Man, 20, 'critical' after shooting in shop] – Birmingham Post, February 2008 * [http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/02/25/man-gunned-down-in-shop-97319-20520670/ Man gunned down in shop] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726092347/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/02/25/man-gunned-down-in-shop-97319-20520670/ |date=26 July 2009 }} – Birmingham Mail, February 2008 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110720125653/http://www.asianimage.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1925167.mostviewed.presents_donated_to_childrens_hospital.php Presents donated to children's hospital] – Asian Image, December 2007 * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6320021.stm Terror arrests anger community] – BBC News, February 2007 * [http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_method=full%26objectid=18560048%26siteid=50002-name_page.html Terror arrests: A call for calm] – Birmingham Post, February 2007 * [http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/mail/news/tm_headline=community-leaders-fear-raids-could-be-%2Ddamaging%2D%26method=full%26objectid=18559726%26siteid=50002-name_page.html Community leaders fear raids could be 'damaging'] – Birmingham Mail, February 2007 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20071025232305/http://www.islamophobia-watch.com/islamophobia-watch/2006/1/17/the-witch-hunt-against-adam-yosef.html The witch-hunt against Adam Yosef] – Islamophobia Watch, January 2006 * [http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/01/331831.html?c=on#c139904 In-depth media links and reference on Peter Tatchell controversy] – January 2006
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yosef, Adam}} Category:1981 births Category:Living people Category:English people of Indian descent Category:English people of Iraqi descent Category:English people of Spanish descent Category:English Muslims Category:English male journalists Category:English LGBTQ journalists Category:English pansexual people Category:BBC people Category:LGBTQ Muslims Category:Pansexual men Category:Pansexual writers Category:Respect Party people Category:21st-century British male journalists