4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Zander Murray hosts community dinner at Glasgow hotel
Zander Murray will be hosting a community dinner at The Social Hub on July 17.
It will celebrate connection, collaboration, and creativity.
He also led a Lunch & Learn session at the venue on Wednesday, June 25, sharing his personal journey and calling for greater visibility and representation in sport.
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The Lunch & Learn event is part of The Social Hub's week-long Pride Hub programme.
Zander, who came out publicly in 2022 during his playing career, said: "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 made headlines after a Facebook post changed the course of his life.
The 33-year-old said: "I was just sitting on a balcony in Benidorm, no Instagram, no Twitter, just me thinking, I'm finally ready.
"So I made this wee post for the lads on my team. Fell asleep. Woke up to messages from Lorraine Kelly.
"I'm like, what the f*** is going on?
"I was literally told to get a flight to London to be on her show. It was insane.
'I didn't play higher because I hated myself. I had this idea that if I went to a big club, someone would dig up a camp photo, post it on a forum, and the abuse would start.
'You don't get slagged for missing a pass. They go for your sexuality. Twitter, TikTok, the comments. It's brutal.
"And it messes with your head. You're already under pressure just being a footballer. Add all that, and it's too much.'
Following his announcement, Zander became a vocal advocate for inclusivity in sport, delivering talks at schools, football academies, and corporate organisations, including UEFA and the Hong Kong Gay Games.
He is also hosting a community dinner at The Social Hub on July 17.
He said: "I go into rooms of young boys and 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."
Zander said returning to Glasgow always hits differently.
He said: "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."
