Blue plaque unveiled in Durham honouring trailblazing gay councillor Sam Green
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A blue plaque has been unveiled in Durham to commemorate Sam Green, the UK's first openly gay councillor.
The tribute was installed outside Green’s former home on The Avenue, marking his historic achievement in 1972 when he won a seat on the now-abolished Durham City Council for the Crossgate ward as a Liberal councillor. At the time, Green was just 31 and succeeded in unseating an incumbent who had held the position for 18 years.
The unveiling ceremony was led by Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, who praised Green’s courage and contribution to public life. “Sam Green broke barriers at a time when being openly gay in politics was almost unheard of,” Davey said.
Green, a psychiatric nurse by profession, was an active member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. His openness about his sexuality during the campaign was considered groundbreaking, though it came at personal cost. According to Professor Richard Hussey of Durham University, Green faced hostility and was even assaulted because of his sexuality. “He acted very bravely being open with voters and managed to persuade them he was the right councillor for them,” Hussey noted.
The City of Durham Parish Council, which commissioned the plaque, described Green as “a one-off” and “much-loved” figure in the community. Parish councillor Susan Walker said the tribute aims to ensure his story is more widely known: “Sam’s election clearly broke a glass ceiling at a time when societal views on homosexuality were very different. His bravery deserves recognition.”
Green served on the council until 1979 before moving away from Durham around 1980. He died in 1999, aged 58.
