To commemorate the 25th anniversary since the lifting of the ban on LGBTQ+ people serving in the armed forces, Out North East is proud to welcome Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL to our Summer of Pride.
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.
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.
Event Dates
| Date | Available Ticket Types | Ticket Price | Book Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
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17th July 2025, 7:30pm |
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| Book Now |
