1. As a Councillor on North Down Borough Council you were the first openly gay person to serve as a public representative in NI, tell us what the public perception was to that and did you experience any problems?
To date I have not experienced any adverse reaction from my constituents, on the contrary, many people have approached me expressing view that my election was a positive sign of progress and hope that politics is transforming to reflect the modern diverse nature of our society
2. From a personal perspective, do you think it's important that more people from the LGBT community get involved in the political process? Are there any challenges that we might face?
In order for politics and elected bodies such as Local Government, NI Assembly and Westminster to achieve widespread public support and confidence it is important that they are seen to deliver, listen to and respond to the concerns of the general public and be seen as representative of society. Inclusion of more women, ethnic minorities, LGBT people, people with a disability and other sections of our society is therefore fundamental if we are to halt the declining turnout levels and give people hope that politics can be a positive vehicle for change in tune with current concerns.
3. Do you feel pressure to solely represent the LGBT community and what do you think needs to be done to tackle issues affecting our community in NI today?
As first openly gay Councillor in Northern Ireland I am acutely aware of the public focus upon me to deliver for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Since coming out in 1996 I have campaigned relentlessly for LGBT people in many different roles and was delighted to achieve legislation to prevent discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services after successfully lobbying Peter Hain MP, previous Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Today, as an Alliance Party Councillor I strive to represent all my constituents and build a society For Everyone. I will continue to work for this Shared Future rather than any type of Shared out Future where people operate in divided communities, whether this is on the basis of religion, political belief or sexual orientation.
4. What specific work have you undertaken on behalf of LGBT people and can you tell us a bit more about your own story?
My achievements are wide ranging and include achieving funding from National Lottery whilst Chairperson of Foyle Friend in Derry/Londonderry towards new Resource Centre, working with others to achieve funding for LGBT sector via OFMdFM, goods, facilities and services legislation as described earlier, founding member of Gay and Lesbian across Down. I continue to work with my Alliance Party colleagues at NI Assembly to lobby of change whether this is in relation to Sexual Orientation Strategy, Gay Blood Ban, ban on Civil Partnership’s taking place in religious premises if Church so desires, Same Sex Couples Adoption Ban etc.
5. How do you think NI fits into the larger picture of the UK, Ireland and Europe when it comes to LGBT issues, what needs to be done better?
Whilst social attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have improved drastically since decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1982 lack of strong cohesive leadership from First Minister and DUP Ministers to create a society where LGBT people live as equal valued citizens in a culture of respect and acceptance is regrettable. Irish President Mary McAleese previously referred to the need to de-construct “the noxious apparatus of homophobia”. I look forward to such bold leadership from a future First Minister in Northern Ireland, lifting LGBT people up and ending the Second Class Citizenship we have endured for too long.
Andrew lives in Holywood in North Down and is also a keen cyclist, runner and has an interest in community issues.
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