Owen Hurcum are the first known non-binary mayor in the world

DEINewsTop storiesYoungest Mayors

Mayor of Bangor Owen Hurcum hold the mayoral position from May 2021. Besides being the youngest elected mayor ever in Wales, Owen Hurcum are also the first non-binary mayor but the world’s first known non-binary mayor as well. 

They became mayor of the oldest city in Wales, Bangor when Owen were only 23 years old, and by accomplishing this, they became the youngest mayor in Welsh history.

They represent a very unique mayor who identify as non-binary, queer, and agender and by becoming mayor, Owen showed to the world and especially to the non-binary community that everything is possible.

Mayor of Bangor Owen Hurcum weren’t shocked when they won the election and are very humbled for the opportunity to change the city of Bangor but also for the chance to represent their community.

Owen Hurcum are originally from Harrow in London and they moved to Bangor five years ago. They “didn’t feel safe” growing up in London. Being non-binary is not easy and it brought many challenges throughout their life. Owen also said that when they came out, they thought that they were going to be criticized by the community. 

“I could never be myself in London, I knew I was LGBT when I was about 12. And I desperately hid it from everyone, like my family, my friends, and the community. I didn’t feel safe or feel comfortable being ‘out’ in London. It was only when I came to Bangor that I became comfortable in being out”, mayor Hurcum stated. Living in Bangor allowed them to be honest about their identity and that is why they want to make changes in the whole community.

Nonetheless their unique background, Hurcum’s mayoral appointment is highly significant. The demand for political representation from transgender and non-binary people is growing.

Mayor Hurcum are planning on changing rights for trans people and making it more normal and acceptable to other people.

“It seems to be open season right now against trans people in the UK. And that’s no fun at all. I’m hoping that we can get representation at the highest echelons and that they’ll be able to direct any government away from this harmful bigotry”, Owen Hurcum said.

Owen are also focusing on local politics and plan to explore the possibility of expanding the city’s twinning program with Soest, in Germany. Their goal is also to make the city more recognizable and attractive.

Owen described the beauty of Bangor saying “You’ve got the mountains, you’ve got the oldest city in Wales. You’ve got tiny little coastal footpaths, and the rolling hills, three minutes from the city center. I think everyone should come to Bangor at least once and experience it because there’s nowhere else like it.”

Although they receive hate comments a lot, their friend’s team of councilors always support Owen to get through hard times. Owen’s goal is to make anyone feel comfortable in their own skin which is what make them a great person and an incredible mayor. (photo credit: wikimedia)