An out gay Salford public sector worker has been installed as the new Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
Since 2006, David McGovern has been Chair of the LGBT Foundation, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in the region.
He will step down in from the charity in October after 10 years to take up the ceremonial position.
McGovern was picked for the prestigious honour by Lord-Lieutenant Warren Smith, after decades of work with charities and local communities.
Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation, said: “It’s brilliant that one of the Deputy Lieutenants of Greater Manchester is an out gay man.
“We are absolutely delighted that David has been recognised in this way and it’s an absolute testament to the amazing dedication that he’s shown to the LGBT community over the last decade.”
He was a volunteer with LGBT Foundation for 13 years, starting work on the national Helpline in 2003.
Now a senior manager in the housing sector, he has been a volunteer Magistrate in Salford, supported charities and has been heavily involved in Salford community projects.
The Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester is a representative of the Queen, and helps to carry out civic works, including attending ceremonies, making presentations to community groups and giving talks.
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Chair of LGBT Foundation David McGovern said: “I’m honoured to have been asked to become a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, to represent my community and LGBT Foundation.
“I feel that it’s immensely important to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people living across Greater Manchester have their voices heard so they are represented in the heart of the community.
“I’m really sad to be standing down as Chair of LGBT Foundation, but I’m still pleased to be involved as a representative of the LGBT community and I’m delighted to carry on my passion for LGBT equality in this new role.”
Lord-Lieutenant Warren Smith said: “David is an outstanding representative of the LGBT community and plays an important part in the life of our county.”
In 2010, he was awarded an Honorary Degree by The University of Salford for his work on LGBT issues and named Charity Chair of the Year at The Third Sector National Awards in 2013.
