Community
Published: August 19, 2022 by odawson
LGBT Foundation today announces that leading Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ activist Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL has joined the charity as Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador.
As well as Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl’s high-profile roles include his previous role as LGBTQ+ Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham which came to an end after four years on 31st July, and his current role as Trustee of Fighting with Pride, Ambassador for The Proud Trust and George House Trust, Co-Chair of Pro-Manchester Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Network, and Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester.
Carl received an OBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for services to Charity, LGBTQ+ Equality and Communities; recognising him as an LGBTQ+ role model and leader who successfully influences policy and strategy at national, regional and local levels.
As Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador, Carl’s influence and connections will help LGBT Foundation bring businesses in Manchester’s Gay Village together, benefitting LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester. Carl will link LGBT Foundation with councillors, officers and officials across Greater Manchester’s public sector, including the NHS, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Services.
On his appointment, Carl Austin Behan said: “LGBT Foundation has made a better life for LGBTQ+ people that live, work and socialise across Greater Manchester and the UK. As LGBTQ+ Advisor to The Mayor, I’ve kept LGBTQ+ people’s concerns at the forefront of the region’s future and updated the Mayor’s Office on what’s happening across our communities, making sure that all LGBTQ+ people have a voice and it’s heard.”
Dr Paul Martin OBE, CEO of LGBT Foundation said: “This is a fantastic appointment for LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester. Carl’s brilliant reputation as an LGBTQ+ advocate and his relationships with organisations and businesses across Greater Manchester will help us amplify LGBTQ+ voices.”
“I’ve known Carl for many years. His skills, knowledge and expertise will help us deliver positive and sustainable change for LGBTQ+ people.”
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador is a new role that helps create new partnerships and relationships with people and places across the region, guiding LGBT Foundation to its goal of helping LGBTQ+ people and communities to reach their full potential.
