Great Britain Takes Mr Gay World 2024 Title

Paul Carruthers, a 42-year-old trans-healthcare nurse and radio DJ from Leeds, was crowned Mr Gay World 2024 on August 26 at a dazzling ceremony in Northeast, England.

The Grand Finale took place at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, making it the first time in the competition’s 15-year history that Mr Gay World was held in Great Britain.

Carruthers’ 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.

“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.

“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. 

“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.

Carruthers is also a devoted father to two sons, enjoys road cycling, and loves to unwind with some entertaining reality TV.

He 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 Poland’s Damian Kutryb completed the Top 5 delegates.

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.

The first Mr Gay World took place in 2009 in Canada, establishing an annual global competition to inspire and empower gay men to come together in a public event to highlight diversity, leadership, and the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ people worldwide.