16 Facts About Lionel Blue

Lionel Blue was a British Reform rabbi, journalist and broadcaster, described by The Guardian as "one of the most respected religious figures in the UK".

Lionel Blue was best known for his longstanding work with the media, most notably his wry and gentle sense of humour on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Lionel Blue was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality.

Lionel Blue's parents were Jews of Russian origin and his father worked as a tailor.

Lionel Blue served in the British Army but was discharged after having a nervous breakdown brought on by anxiety over his closet homosexuality.

Lionel Blue read history at Balliol College, Oxford and Semitics at University College London.

Lionel Blue found Victor Gollancz's A Year of Grace helpful during this time, and finally became one of the first two students at Leo Baeck College for training rabbis in 1956.

Between 1960 and 1963, Lionel Blue was the minister of the Settlement Synagogue and Middlesex New Synagogue.

Lionel Blue then became the European Director of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

Lionel Blue made his first radio broadcast in 1967 and was a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day programme for 25 years.

Lionel Blue made numerous appearances on BBC Radio 4 and Radio 2, producing a television programme entitled In Search of Holy England in 1989.

Lionel Blue was awarded honorary doctorates from the Open University and Durham University.

Lionel Blue came out in 1980 while he was involved with sailboat designer Christopher "Kim" Holman, a relationship which lasted from 1962 to 1982.

Lionel Blue was involved with various gay charities, including the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group, and Kairos in Soho.

Lionel Blue was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 57; however, he successfully controlled his disorder with medication.

Lionel Blue received radiotherapy and hormonal treatment to reduce any further growth.