Pride & Politics: Belfast’s Trailblazing Lord Mayor Micky Murray
Join us for the first stop on Day 2 of our Lost in Belfast Road Trip as we visit the magnificent City Hall to meet Lord Mayor Micky Murray.
The city’s youngest and first openly gay Lord Mayor shares refreshing new perspectives on his changing city, saying “Where Belfast is now and where we're going is a lot more exciting than what's happened over the last 50 years.”
The Lord Mayor talks about his political journey, Alliance Party affiliation, priorities in office, LGBTQ+ community efforts, and favored social justice initiatives such as addressing homelessness through the innovative Complex Lives strategy.
The conversation highlights his city's growth, increasing diversity, and the exciting future he envisions for Belfast’s people.
Given that the Lord Mayor serves just one year, every hour is precious, so we much appreciate the hour he spent with us…and now with you.
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Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 5; Total Episode Count: 109
00:00 - Introduction
02:52 - A Banner Photo
07:48 - North Belfast Beginnings
12:59 - Choosing the Alliance Party
16:25 - Making Room for LQBTQI
20:22 - Growing Up Gay in Belfast
22:36 - Embracing Pride
25:24 - Talking Housing and Homelessness
33:49 - A Day in the Life of Belfast's Lord Mayor
36:07 - Belfast and Tourism
40:11 - John and Martin Recap
41:20 - Credits
Mick Murray
Lord Mayor of Belfast
Micky Murray took up office of Lord Mayor of Belfast on 3 June 2024, becoming the city’s youngest and first openly gay Lord Mayor.
A member of the Alliance Party, Micky was initially co-opted onto Belfast City Council in May 2022 and retained his seat in the local government election of May 2023.
His background before politics was in the community and voluntary sector, where he worked helping homeless people and those with addiction challenges.
Micky is committed to using his year in office to further the goal of making Belfast an inclusive and compassionate city.
On March 2, 2025, he serves along with musician/activist Judy Collins as a Grand Marshall of New York’s St. Pat’s for All Parade, the annual celebration of Irish heritage and culture regardless of race, gender, creed, or sexual orientation.
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