Carl Austin-Behan was born and raised in Manchester. On leaving school he worked in various retail roles before joining the Royal Airforce aged 19. His postings included the UK, Belize and Ascension Island.

During active service Carl received a number of awards and recognition for his bravery, including the RAF Safety Centre’s Good Show Award, and the Royal Humane Society’s award for rescuing a pilot from a burning Hawk Aircraft. He was mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1996, with a Commander in Chief’s commendation.

In 1997 Carl was dismissed from the RAF. It was deemed that his homosexuality was ‘incompatible with service life’ as it was still illegal to serve in The UK Armed Forces for being gay. This was a defining moment, since then Carl has dedicated himself to actively engaging diverse LGBTQ+ communities to ensure that all voices are heard and amplified.

He joined Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in 1998 and then went on to win Mr Gay UK 2001.

Having served on Manchester City Council representing Burnage from 2011 – 2018, Carl was the first openly gay Lord Mayor of Manchester 2016 – 2017.

Carl has devoted himself to LGBTQ+ advocacy. Ambassador for The Proud Trust, George House Trust, Broughton House; Patron of Contact Theatre, Manchester Proud chorus; Chair of Pro-Manchester EDI Network, City of Trees Trust. Trustee of Forever Manchester. He was also a founder member for Fighting with Pride (LGBT veterans charity run by veterans. The first and only lived-experience charity addressing the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ veterans.) he passionately promotes diversity, equity and inclusion within our communities.

In November 2019 Carl was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and was awarded an OBE in the 2020 Queens New Year’s Honours List for services to Charity and the LGBTQ+ Community.

Join Carl as he talks about his incredible life and his role as an advocate for LGBTQ+ veterans.

To register for your FREE ticket, select which venue you’d like to attend:

Sunderland 12^th June:  CLICK HERE

South Shields 17^th July: CLICK HERE

Gateshead: 21^st August: CLICK HERE

FIGHTING WITH PRIDE

An evening with Carl Austin-Behan is part of Out North East’s commitment to support LGBTQ+ veterans.

The UK government is offering financial reparations of up to £70,000 to LGBTQ+ veterans who were dismissed or discharged from the armed forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity between 1967 and 2000, acknowledging the historic wrongs they experienced.

Those eligible can receive a payment of £50,000, with additional payments of up to £20,000 available for those who suffered harassment, invasive investigations, or imprisonment.

The government is also offering restorative measures, including striking any blame or dishonour from service records, to acknowledge the injustices faced by LGBT veterans.

Out North East will have information and people to talk to at this event or you can find out more at https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/reparations/

Claims are time sensitive and you only have until 12^th December 2026 to submit your application.

Posted on 4 June 2025

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