Leicester Pride has announced that Zander Murray – one of only five ‘out’ LGBTQ+ professional footballers in the world – has been ‘signed’ to co-host Leicester Pride, as it makes its colourful return to the city on August 31.
Zander will co-host the main stage at Leicester Pride 2024 – which celebrated its 15th anniversary last year with its biggest-ever event – as it returns to the city’s Abbey Park once again, bringing the city together to celebrate Leicester’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
Zander achieved worldwide ‘fame’ overnight, when he became only the third actively playing footballer in the world to come out back in 2022.
He now plays successfully for Bonnyrigg Rose – a Scottish Professional Football League Two club – using his profile off the pitch to benefit LGBTQ+ charity, Stonewall, where he is an Ambassador. He regularly works with Time for Inclusive Education. He not only devotes time to the sport he loves, but shares his passion with workshops in schools, football academies and even the Hong Kong Gay Games.
In 2023, he was named by Attitude as one of the LGBTQ+ trailblazers changing the world and the football shirt he scored his 100th goal wearing was placed in the Scottish Football Museum – testament to his record-breaking goal scoring achievements in one season.
Since coming out, Zander has shared his story on many TV shows including Lorraine, Good Morning Britain and Sky Sports, as well as many BBC shows including the BBC documentary, Out On The Pitch, where he explored what is being done to tackle homophobia in football and follows him as he discovers how the sport can be made more inclusive.
Simon Harrison, Event Manager of Leicester Pride, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Zander Murray to our hosting team – such a high profile and inspirational out pro footballer. We hope that Zander’s involvement in Leicester Pride 2024 will not only inspire our community, but show the world that sport is changing and can be a welcoming and inclusive space for all sexualities. He’s a true icon changing the face of football.”
Zander Murray comments: “I’m absolutely ecstatic to co-host Leicester Pride. I’ve seen the footage of last year and it looks amazing. I’ve got family in Leicester and friends, but more importantly, I think there has to be more crossover with football and LGBTQ+. Celebrations like this can only help this.
“I’m well aware of Foxes Pride – LCFC’s LGBTQ+ group for members and allies – and have had many interactions with them. I can only hope that my involvement with Leicester Pride encourages closeted people in general to be their authentic self, as I came out at the first Pride event I went to.
“I’d strongly encourage anyone struggling with their sexuality getting yourself down to Leicester Pride as I have no doubt, you’ll have THE best time ever! And, of course, I’m co-hosting it, so what better way to get yourself down. It’ll be an amazing day.”
Leicester Pride will take place on Saturday, August 31, with the parade starting at 12pm outside Curve before heading through the city to Abbey Park.
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