Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL

Dr Carl Austin-Behan joined the RAF at aged 19 before being forced to leave due to his sexuality. During his service he was added to the 1996 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his exceptional service, which included saving a pilot from a burning aircraft as well as other remarkable endeavours.

Carl went on to serve with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service between 1998 and 1999 before setting up a promotions company and has been successful in a wide range of areas including business, charity, community, and politics. He has raised money for numerous worthy causes including the HIV/AIDS, Manchester Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s UK.

In 2005 Carl was appointed Chair of Manchester’s Gay Village Business Association and between 2008 and 2011 he was a member of the Greater Manchester Police Independent Advisory Group, supporting LGBT issues. In 2010 Carl set up VA Clean, of which, he is Managing Director.

In 2016, Carl became the first openly gay Lord Mayor of Manchester leading to unshakeable action for the LGBTQ+ community and help in raising over half-a-million pounds for the ‘We Love Manchester’ charity.

In 2018 Carl became LGBT Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Dr Andy Burnham, and in December 2019 he was appointed to be a Deputy Lieutenant of The County of Greater Manchester. He was awarded an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for services to Charity, LGBTQ+ Equality and to the Community across Greater Manchester.