Neal Cavalier-Smith has led many lives — games developer, LGBT activist, publisher, brand strategist, pilot and artist.
Son of an eminent evolutionary biologist, Neal was a 1980s computer games prodigy, creating hits like Minesweeper and Taxi by age 17.
As a student activist, he co-founded the International Gay and Lesbian Youth Organisation and organised the iconic 1987 Piccadilly Circus Kiss-In against Clause 28.
He later founded Prowler Press, pioneering sex-positive publishing at a time when people were literally dying rather than openly discuss gay sex. Over the years, Prowler served millions; growing and merging to encompass major queer media brands including Gay Times, Diva, Pink Paper and the Prowler store chain.
Neal also served as a Switchboard volunteer and Stonewall board member during the UK’s landmark equality campaigns of the 1990s.
After selling Prowler, he became an early digital nomad, travelling to nearly 100 countries with his husband Clive and earning his pilot’s licence. Neal went on to build a successful career as a brand strategist and speaker on healthy foods and ageing.
Remaining active in LGBT advocacy, he has mentored queer organisations and worked with diversity consultancy Challenge EDI. In 2019 he co-authored Kenny Lives with Erica and Martina, and campaigned to donate over 12,000 copies to UK primary schools to promote inclusive relationship education.
Today, Neal divides his time between painting canvases and painting buildings, as he renovates and divests his property portfolio.