Exclusive Interview: Inside the Life of Belfast's Courageous Mayor

It has been almost a year sinceBelfast City Councilappointed its first openly gay Lord Mayor, and with just six weeks left of his term, Micky Murray has opened up about his life away from the gold chain in a candid six-page interview with Irish music and politics magazine Hot Press.

Homophobic Prejudice in Northern Ireland
Throughout the interview, Cllr Murray talks about how homophobic prejudice continues to be rampant across Northern Ireland. The Lord Mayor also addresses concerns within the LGBTQ+ community towards Donald Trump and Elon Musk's social media platform X.

Challenges and Advocacy
Reflecting on occasional homophobic slurs and remarks from elected representatives, Micky Murray emphasizes the importance of understanding and inclusivity. He highlights the need for drug policy reform, supporting the legalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes and discussing successful models like the Portuguese approach.

Future Outlook
In this extensive feature, Lord Mayor Micky Murray delves into various topics including the future of Belfast, humanitarian issues, his personal journey, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in the city. He also touches on current affairs such as the abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, the necessity of updated sex education, and his decision to abstain from alcohol for a year.

The full interview can be read in the latest edition of Hot Press, available in stores from 17th April.