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# Zander Murray: “In a city that means so much to me, this kind of event matters."
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/zander-murray-in-a-city-that-means-so-much-to-me-this-kind-of-event-matters/
- Published: 2025-06-27T13:03:22.000Z
- Updated: 2025-06-27T13:03:22.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: News, Pride

Scotland’s first openly gay professional footballer, **Zander Murray**, is set to take centre stage at **The Social Hub** in **Glasgow** as part of its Pride celebrations this July.

On **17 July**, Zander will host a community dinner at the venue, bringing people together to celebrate connection, collaboration, and creativity. This follows his powerful **Lunch & Learn** session on **25 June**, where he shared his personal journey and called for greater visibility and inclusion in sport.

The events are part of The Social Hub’s week-long **Pride Hub programme**, designed to foster dialogue and community engagement.

Zander, who came out publicly in 2022 while still playing professionally, reflected on the significance of the event:

“In a city that means so much to me, this kind of event matters. It’s not just about being seen. It’s about being heard.”

A former striker for **Gala Fairydean Rovers**, Zander’s life changed after a heartfelt Facebook post he made while on holiday in Benidorm.

“I was just sitting on a balcony, no Instagram, no Twitter—just me thinking, ‘I’m finally ready.’ I made this wee post for the lads on my team, fell asleep, and woke up to messages from Lorraine Kelly. I was like, what the f\*\*\* is going on?”

His candidness struck a chord across the football world and beyond.

“I didn’t play higher because I hated myself. I thought if I joined a big club, someone would dig up a camp photo, post it online, and the abuse would start. You don’t get slagged for missing a pass—they go for your sexuality. It’s brutal. And it messes with your head.”

Since coming out, Zander has become a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, speaking at schools, football academies, and major organisations including **UEFA** and the **Hong Kong Gay Games**.

At his talks, he challenges young athletes directly: “I ask three questions: Who’s heard homophobic language this month? In this club? Who’s said it? And after I tell my story, you can see the penny drop. That moment is when things start to change.”

Returning to Glasgow always feels special, he says: “Any work in Glasgow means everything to me. I don’t have to slow my voice down. The crowds get it. I’m from here. It’s personal. I see my younger self in all of them.”