Scotland's only openly gay professional footballer Zander Murray has launched a staunch defence of LGBT+ Pride marches amid a rising tide of homophobia.
Murray made history by becoming the first ever British footballer to lead a Pride march in the UK at Edinburgh's parade last Saturday. The striker came out last September, becoming the only openly gay player in the Scottish Football League when he joined Bonnyrigg Rose in January.
The 31-year-old has since become a vocal advocate for the LGBT+ community and was given the honour of leading the Edinburgh Pride parade. It was the first time in his life that Murray had attended a Pride event and he has now launched a passionate defence of the parades.
It comes at a time when Pride events and the LGBT+ community as a whole are facing increasing hostility from social conservatives. And Murray has hit out at those who are throwing abuse towards his community.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, he said: "I can't fathom people who go against Pride events. People were just having a joyous, great time. Surely these draconian views of these religious groups, surely they look at that and go 'wait a minute here, maybe it is real'.
"Even in the march I saw no hate. We saw a church that had signs outside it saying 'God loves us all' and they were clapping us. We walked by a mosque, really respectful and there were people outside it as well.
"That's what it's all about and I love that. So maybe my preconcieved ideas of walking a Pride march, because obviously it got a little bit of traction and I thought 'I hope no hate's going to be out there'.
"But it was brilliant. And it just shows how Twitter can present that fake narrative that's not real life. Because from what I saw it was great. And everybody was really great and respectful which was amazing."
Murray was left overwhelmed by the support shown by the crowds in the Scottish capital, with tens of thousands attending Pride. And the striker has admitted he feels privileged to have had the chance to lead the parade.
"It was insane, mental. I didn't know I would be leading it at the front I just thought there would be other people and I would be behind some sponsors and banners but no literally it was me at the front, just insane," he added.
"There were thousands of people. It was incredible, what a pinch-me moment. I just kept saying to myself 'really take this in'. It was insane, meant the world. Pride marches are usually a Saturday so with football I don't usually get the opportunity to do it.
"But it's pre-season just now and we were training in the morning. So I asked the gaffer if I could leave 15 minutes before the session ended and he said fine, which was amazing from him. What an absolute honour, it was incredible, what a great, great day.
"I met some great people and had some really powerful conversations with all sorts of people: families, people struggling with their sexuality, football fan groups, the LGBT+ football teams. It was so emotional."
Those conversations have left Murray convinced of the importance of being visible to the younger generation. And he opened up on the powerful moments he shared with fathers of young LGBT+ people.
"I can see the impact that not just me, but other parts of the community are having in helping people to be their true authentic selves. It's integral. I knew that I would meet a lot of powerful people but I didn't know I'd meet people who I personally impacted," Murray said.
"There would be fathers with their sons and daughters coming up to me and being like 'you've helped them so much and you've helped me, I had no idea how to deal with these things and help my son so thank you so much for being visible and showing what it's like because it's helped me as a father'.
"B***** hell, I'll be honest, I definitely shed a tear at that. I wanted to visit Prides before, I couldn't because of football, but also because I was in the closet, I was just terrified that someone would see me at such events.
"That was massive. So this was the first, at 31 years old as a gay man, this was the first Pride march that I actually marched at. I'd never actually marched in it and be proud of who I am. So that was incredible to do that."
It is clear that Murray is still riding on the high of visiting his first-ever Pride event. And the striker believes that everyone should take the opportunity to revel in the feeling of love and support.
"People say 'they're pushing it down our throats, this woke agenda'. For me, visibility is absolutely integral for a young person who identifies as LGBT+, absolutely integral," he concluded.
"I had none of that growing up and look how I've had my struggles. So for young people to know that there's a place for them in this world is integral and that's what this is all about, to know.
"For me, I've lived through struggles, these young people have a place and a space where they can be their true, authentic selves. We can shout that from the rooftops but I think some people, you can't polish a turd.
"So I would strongly encourage everyone and anyone to get involved. What a day out it is. Never any issues. You won't see any issues at a Pride march. We're just here to spread our love and support and challenge these draconian views that some people hold."
