A gay Muslim who took his own life has inspired a Coronation Street storyline

“A Coronation Street actress took inspiration for her role from the real-life story of a gay Muslim man committing suicide in 2014.

Bhavna Limbachia plays Coronation Street’s first openly gay Muslim character and spoke to a number of LGBTQI+ Muslims to prepare for the lesbian relationship she portrays on camera with Faye Brookes’s character, Kate Connor.

Nazim Mahmood ended his life four years ago after his parents confronted him about his sexuality. He had been with his partner, Matt Ogston, for thirteen years. As a result, Ogston formed the Naz and Matt Foundation – an organisation dedicated to tackling religious homophobia to help parents accept their children.

Coronation Street actress Limbachia researched stories of religious homophobia, including the tragic story of Mahmood ending his life, to better understand the pressures her gay character would face.

Through his work with the Naz and Matt Foundation, Ogston is challenging the difficulties that led him to losing his fiancé. He gives talks in schools, speaks out on cultural homophobia and organises group sessions for LGBTQI+ people to practise coming out to other parents.

We spoke to him ahead of one of theses group sessions to find out more…”