Paul Doughty and David Smith said they have had an “eye-opening” and “deeply meaningful” year in the roles, with Paul passing on the Sheriff’s baton to Geoff Cossins in a ceremony on May 21.
The pair have represented the city, moving from ceremonies to special openings and playing their part in traditions rooted in York’s rich history – an honour the couple haven’t taken lightly.
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In his closing speech as Sheriff of York, Paul said: “When I took on this role, I had a fairly clear sense of the civic duties it would involve.”
A fantastic team – Paul and David (Image: Supplied)
He added: “What I didn’t fully appreciate was quite how varied and remarkable the life of this city is.
“Nor did I appreciate just how often I would find myself move, sometimes unexpectedly, by the people we have met along the way.”
The couple, who became civil partners in 2006, married four months ago after hosting a Citizenship Ceremony.
Paul and David became civil partners in 2006 and married 20 years later after a citizenship ceremony in York (Image: Supplied)
David said: “We were at the ceremony, and both agreed that while we were there, we might as well get married.
“It was such a normal, regular part of life.
“After signing a few papers, we had a selfie in Parliament Street and then went for a coffee.
“We’d been civil partners for nearly 20 years, but it’s just lovely to be able to use the word husband instead of partner.”
“Things were completely different back then and even an inclusive city like York felt more intimidating” (Image: Supplied)
David left home in Sheffield aged 19.
“I left with no money, nothing. After volunteering and then paid work I got myself sorted out and came to York in 2005.
“Things were completely different back then and even an inclusive city like York felt more intimidating,” he said.
Thirteen years ago, it would have been illegal for same-sex couples to marry.
Civil partnerships were legalised in 2004, and it is a recognition of these rights and protections – fought for by activists – that the couple say make events like York Pride essential.
“He’s taken a genuine interest in the people behind the events, often ensuring that their work is recognised and shared more widely” (Image: Supplied)
David said: “Casual homophobia is still present in everyday life. I am still wary when holding hands with Paul in some places.”
He added: “The hate against is an old one that is still actively encouraged by some governments and religions
“But I will say that York has become – on the whole – an incredibly welcoming and safe city – where people can be free to be who they are.
“For us, it’s a privilege to be free to live our normal lives without having to give it a second thought. We know ourselves; it wasn’t always like this.”
‘For me, it carried a particular personal significance’
In his closing speech, Paul said that one of the most memorable moments of his time as Sheriff of York was the York Pride open-top bus parade.
He said: “For me, it carried a particular personal significance.
“It was a moment that spoke not just to progress, but to the kind of city York is – one that is capable of acceptance and celebration without fuss of self-congratulation.
“It was a day of visibility, but also of normality…and lots of good fun!”
He added that David had done “far more” than accompanying him during his role.
“He’s been tireless in championing the community groups and charities we’ve encountered.
“He’s taken a genuine interest in the people behind the events, often ensuring that their work is recognised and shared more widely.
“I’m very grateful for his energy and support,” he said.
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