Micky Murray to make history as Belfast’s first out gay Lord Mayor
Micky Murray has been selected as the next Lord Mayor of Belfast, set to make history as the city’s first out gay person to hold the position.
The news was announced on Monday, April 29, with the 32-year-old describing it as a “significant moment” for the LGBTQ+ community.Speaking after the fact, Murray, an Alliance Pary councillor representing the Balmoral area, said: “In my role as Lord Mayor I want to meet people in all areas of Belfast and recognise those who are making a difference in every quarter, finding ways to work alongside them for the better.He added: “Supporting the most vulnerable is a priority of mine, and I want to use my experience working in the homeless sector to ensure our city does more to help people.“I want to help transform Belfast into a more inclusive city where everyone can enjoy, regardless of who you are or where you’re from.
We’re 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement and we were promised peace, which has largely been delivered, but now is the time to further break down barriers and create a thriving city.“Our city should be recognised for its inclusivity, rather than its division.
As the first openly gay Lord Mayor, I want to use this platform to represent the LGBTQ+ community and be a positive role model for them.” It’s truly an honour to have been selected by my party to be the next Lord Mayor of Belfast in June.This is a significant moment for the LGBTQ+ community, as I step into a role which has never represented us before.I look forward to getting stuck in!https://t.co/Xz0sdrFTKh— Cllr Micky Murray (@micky_murray) April 29, 2024In a separate interview, Murray admitted: “As a schoolboy who was badly bullied because of my sexuality, I never thought I’d have the privilege of serving in a role like this.”The councillor continued: “The position of Lord Mayor has existed for over 130 years, and I’ll be the first openly LGBTQ person to hold it.
