Junaid Ahmed: ‘I Hope I Can Inspire Families to Accept Their Children’
Breaking Barriers on Reality TV
Junaid Ahmed, known for ITV’s The Only Way Is Essex (Towie), made history in 2022 as the UK’s first openly gay Muslim reality TV star. On the show, he stands out with his glamorous style and boldness in facing scandals.
Personal Journey and Advocacy
Ahmed, now 30, openly discusses his life as a queer Muslim, including being disowned by his family at 18 due to his sexuality. He lives in Chigwell, Essex, with his partner and co-star Joe Blackman, advocating for acceptance within Muslim communities.
Saturday Mornings and Daily Life
He describes his ideal Saturday morning as relaxed, featuring homemade breakfast and quality time. He takes the lead in his relationship and daily routines to keep life seamless. Inspired by his childhood, his breakfasts blend traditional English and desi elements.
- Typical breakfast includes eggs, beans, hashbrowns, and toast.
- His partner prefers turkey rashers instead of bacon to adhere to halal preferences.
- They often shop together at halal food stores.
“I always come downstairs and make coffee for myself and my partner. I love a chilled Saturday morning, a nice home cooked breakfast, watching telly, fresh orange juice, and just really nice vibes.”
“When I was growing up my mum used to make a traditional English-style breakfast, with some desi changes, which I’ve incorporated in my relationship now.”
Ahmed’s story highlights the importance of embracing identity while staying connected to cultural roots.
Author’s summary: Junaid Ahmed pioneers as the first openly gay Muslim on UK reality TV, blending cultural heritage with personal truth to inspire acceptance and understanding.