Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL

Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL is a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and former LGBTQ+ Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

In 1997 Carl was dismissed from the RAF, as it was deemed that his homosexuality was ‘incompatible with service life’. 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.
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.
Having served on Manchester City Council representing Burnage from 2011 – 2018, he was lead member for LGBT issues within the City Council. Carl was the first openly Gay Lord Mayor of Manchester 2016 – 2017. Also owns his own Cleaning Company VA Clean – working with Property Management Companies specialising in the communal areas of apartment blocks.

Carl has devoted himself to LGBTQ+ advocacy. Ambassador for The Proud Trust, George House Trust, Broughton House; Patron of Contact Theatre, Manchester Pride chourus; Trustee 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, equality and inclusion within our communities. Carl was awarded the OBE in the 2020 New Years Honours for services to charity and LGBTQ+ Equality & Inclusion.

Carl is currently working with the LGBT Foundation as Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador This role sees him visiting schools, youth groups and workplaces to promote diversity, equality, inclusion and respect.