Our Birmingham launch, and conversation with Andy Street CBE, former Mayor of West Midlands

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In an engaging interview, Andy Street CBE, former Mayor of the West Midlands, shared his personal journey as an openly gay leader.

Andy spoke candidly about coming to terms with his sexuality later in life—he did not enter his first same-sex relationship until his late 20s. His story wasn’t one of a dramatic public coming out but rather one of gradual self-realisation and quiet acceptance, embraced by his friends and colleagues. Andy stated, “I didn’t need to make a statement, I didn’t need to have a coming out party or whatever. It just became established amongst my friends, and that’s how Andy was.”

Coming to terms with sexuality later in life

Andy’s journey to understanding his sexuality differed from the typical narrative of coming out during adolescence. He described his experiences as intertwined with his broader life story, rather than a separate chapter. “I don’t think of it as life story and gay story as two separate things. I think they’re completely interwoven,” Andy explained.

It wasn’t until his late 20s that Andy realised he was gay. This realisation came after recognising that his relationships with women were unfulfilling compared to what he felt he was capable of experiencing. This gradual self-awareness eventually led him to his first same-sex relationship, which marked a turning point in his personal life.

Career at John Lewis, and one example of discrimination in an otherwise positive environment

Andy’s career at John Lewis began in the 1980s, during a time when societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people were evolving but still laden with prejudice.

While he was keen to emphasise that his time at John Lewis was generally positive, he recalled an instance of overt homophobia back in the 1980s when a senior executive explicitly told him, “No Mrs Street, no Chairman Street,” implying that his sexuality could be a barrier to achieving the top job.

This blatant discrimination was shocking and painful but ultimately sparked Andy’s resolve to succeed regardless. “I remember going back on the train from London thinking I will show you,” Andy recounted. His determination was enhanced by the experience. Though he ultimately became Managing Director of John Lewis, he never attained the Chairmanship and often wondered whether his sexuality played a part in that decision.

The role of mayor – a mark of progress

Andy described his later role as Mayor of the West Midlands as an experience that showcased just how far society had progressed. He chose to be open about his sexuality in The Times when he ran for office.

“In January 2017, there it was, in black and white, Andy has been gay and out about it for many years,” he said, recalling how he explicitly made his sexuality known during his campaign. Not once during his seven-year tenure was it used against him. “From that day, not a single time in my time as being Mayor, and  you can be criticised for lots of things as Mayor, not a single time has my sexuality been mentioned by anybody.” He sees this as “an incredible tribute to this place, and hopefully the times in which we live.”

Quiet pride and authentic leadership

Andy emphasised that his approach as a leader was to be quietly proud of who he was without making his sexuality the focal point of his public role. Instead, he wanted to demonstrate that being gay did not have to define or limit one’s ability to lead effectively.

“Mine is not a story of being loud and proud, but it is a story of being proud in a very deep, robust way,” he shared. His leadership style was marked by authenticity, self-assurance, and a sense of purpose that transcended labels. Andy underscored the value of leading with one’s true self, arguing that authentic leadership is inherently more powerful and effective.

Encouraging LGBTQ+ leaders to embrace their identity

When asked about his leadership philosophy, Andy underscored the value of self-confidence and authenticity. He encouraged aspiring LGBTQ+ leaders to be proud of who they are, confident in their identity, and recognise that societal acceptance has made incredible strides.

“If you were really confident in who you were, it made it all very easy,” he noted. He highlighted that it is important to bring one’s full self to leadership roles—not only because it allows leaders to thrive but also because it helps others see what is possible.

The importance of representation

Andy also touched on the importance of being a visible role model. “I was always very conscious that I was a role model for some,” he said. Representation matters deeply, especially for those still facing challenges in coming out or being themselves.

Andy’s openness about his sexuality allowed others to see a successful leader who was openly gay and thriving. He stressed that representation can provide hope and inspiration, particularly for those navigating their own identities in environments that may not yet be fully accepting.

Acknowledging ongoing barriers

While sharing his positive experiences, Andy also acknowledged the ongoing barriers for others within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. He was asked by an audience member whether he thought trans people would be as welcomed as Mayor candidates as he had been as a gay man.

“I know the answer to that question. No, they wouldn’t,” recognising that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go for some members of the community. Andy highlighted the importance of continuing the fight for equality with resilience and hope, stressing that societal change is ongoing and requires the collective efforts of allies and advocates.

Reflections on progress and challenges

Andy’s story offers a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made in the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges that remain. His reflections urge LGBTQ+ leaders to balance a sense of pride with an awareness of broader challenges and to always strive for equality in a way that invites understanding and support from society as a whole.

He encouraged leaders to be resilient, to celebrate the strides made, and to acknowledge and tackle the obstacles that still exist for many within the community.

“My experience has been wholly positive,” Andy concluded, emphasising that progress is possible and should be celebrated.

Leadership lessons for the LGBTQ+ community

Andy’s offered several key insights for LGBTQ+ leaders:

First, authenticity breeds confidence. “If you were really confident in who you were, and in every sense of that, I don’t just mean your sexuality, but actually it made it all very easy,” he reflected. This inner confidence becomes particularly crucial when facing discrimination or challenges.

Second, leadership requires a clear moral compass. As Street puts it, “I’m very confident in my own value set principles, my moral compass… if you’ve got that clear in your own mind, the rest of it all falls into place.”

Third, recognise you may be a model for others. “Do not underestimate your role as a role model,” Street advised younger leaders in the audience. “There will be people for whom this isn’t easy, and you can be a huge help to them.”

Conclusion

Andy Street’s journey, from facing blatant discrimination at John Lewis to becoming an openly gay mayor without facing backlash, illustrates how far societal attitudes have evolved. His experiences serve as both an inspiration and a call to action for aspiring LGBTQ+ leaders.

By being confident, authentic, and willing to serve as role models, LGBTQ+ leaders can pave the way for others, ensure continued progress, and foster a world where diversity is celebrated and equality is the standard.

Photos

Andy Street Biography
Before politics, Andy had a successful career in business. After studying PPE at Oxford University, he joined the John Lewis Partnership rising to become Managing Director of John Lewis in 2007. His near decade leading Britain’s largest employee owned company saw it become a retail leader and Britain’s most trusted brand.

Andy left John Lewis in 2016 to return to his native Birmingham and stand in the election for the first Mayor of the West Midlands. He was elected in May 2017 and was re-elected to serve a second term as Mayor in May 2021. The primary function of the role is the promotion of the West Midlands, attracting private and public investment, acting as the region’s ambassador nationally and internationally and chairing the West Midlands Combined Authority bringing with it significant powers over transport, housing, skills and jobs – particularly after the new Deeper Devolution Deal agreed with Government in March 2023.

Prior to becoming Mayor, Andy also served in a host of high-profile economic development roles working with local and national Government, including Chairing the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP from 2011 to 2016.

In June 2015, Andy was awarded the CBE for services to the national economy. He was named the ‘Most Admired Leader’ of the year by business magazine, Management Today in 2014, and he received the ‘President’s Award’ from the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce for his work in the region. As well as his Oxford Degree, he holds three honorary degrees from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and Aston University.

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