British Trans Activist Paul Carruthers Crowned Mr. Gay World
A new Mr. Gay World was crowned last week in a ceremony in the Alnwick Garden, a visitor's center in the town of Northumberland in northeast England. It was the first time in the contest's 15-year history that it was held in Great Britain, and it turned out to be the second time a British trans man took the title. Paul Carruthers, a 42-year-old trans-healthcare nurse and radio DJ from Leeds, was the winner in a contest of 10 other delegates from around the world who faced mental, written, social media and physical challenges during the five day event.
"Winning Mr Gay World is a surreal and humbling experience. I am incredibly proud, yet shocked, to have been chosen from such a remarkable group of men from around the globe, each representing values and causes vital to our community," said Carruthers in a report from Mamba Online.
"As I take on this title, my passion for advocating same-sex adoption remains strong, especially in countries where this right is still denied. However, my main focus, as it was when I held the title of Mr Gay Great Britain, is advocating for trans rights, trans healthcare, and particularly supporting trans youth."
"With nearly a decade of experience as a nursing and healthcare consultant, Carruthers said that he's committed to using both his professional background and the Mr Gay World platform to educate and drive positive change," writes Mamba Online.
"The trans community is facing increasing hostility, and now more than ever, we must stand together as allies to ensure their rights, dignity, and safety are upheld," he asserted.
The Mr. Gay Great Britain Facebook page writes that Paul Carruthers is a trans healthcare nurse, radio DJ, and a devoted father to two sons. Beyond his professional and advocacy work, Paul hosts a weekly radio show on an LGBTQIA+ radio station, sharing his love for music and community with his listeners. Despite his busy schedule, he cherishes the journey of fatherhood, enjoys road cycling, and loves to unwind with some entertaining reality TV.
Carruthers is said to be the first trans man to win the contest, though this has yet to be verified.
His victory marked the end of a five-day contest, where he and 10 other delegates from around the world faced mental, written, social media and physical challenges. The delegates also participated in various advocacy and fun events in Durham, Tyneside, and Northumberland, including a vibrant Pride Parade and a Civic Reception with the Mayor and Mayoress of South Shields.
Carruthers not only won the prestigious title but also excelled in the Written Exam and Formal Wear categories and received the highest number of online votes from the public. The first runner-up was John Bench Ortiz, representing the Philippines 🇵🇭, followed by Thailand's Poosit Changkaewmanee as the second runner-up 🇹🇭. Germany's Karabo Enock Morake 🇩🇪 and with Poland's Damian Kutryb 🇵🇱 completed the court of the Top 5 delegates.
In addition to Carruthers' success, the other category winners were Luc de Muelenaere from South Africa in the Sports Challenge, Poosit Changkaewmanee from Thailand for the Social Responsibility Campaign, Karabo Enock Morake from Germany, who won the Swimwear category and Personal Interview, and John Bench Ortiz from the Philippines, who took home the titles in the National Costume and Social Media Presence categories.
For more Paul Carruthers, visit his Instagram page. For more on Mr. Gay World, visit the event's Facebook page.
Leaving his position as Mr. Gay Britain, Carruthers wrote on Instagram: "I have had the best experience being Mr Gay Great Britain but my reign is coming to an end. A very worthy bunch of guys with great causes are working hard for the crown and I am proud of them all. I have used my platform to be a positive role model, advocating for same sex adoption and using my voice to be a trans ally as best that I can. The global anti trans rhetoric is scary and if I can use my professional voice and title to help in any way possible then I always will."
Check out pics from Carruthers Instagram: