Winning the Mr Gay Great Britain title is not just about personal achievement; it’s more a reflection of the values, community, and causes that mean a lot to me. Out of the seven rounds, I managed to win five— this still feels surreal. I won first place in the LGBTQIA+ Exam, the Congeniality round, the beachwear and formal runway walks, and, perhaps most importantly, the charity fundraising round.
Raising funds for charity
That charity round really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow, especially at a time when I was dealing with my own life challenges.
The charity fundraising round was particularly close to my heart because it perfectly aligned with my passion for community engagement and mental health advocacy. The two chosen charities this year, Pride Action North and The Charlie & Carter Foundation do incredible work supporting marginalised LGBTQIA+ communities and families facing difficult circumstances. The success of these fundraisers wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of everyone who attended, donated, and rallied behind these important causes.
My artist friends, who performed at the events, deserve a special mention for their incredible contributions. Seeing the community and allies come together in such a powerful way was really inspiring and affirmed my belief in the power of collective action. Between both competitions MX Drag and Mr Gay GB, we collectively raised nearly £50,000—a huge achievement that has never been seen before. I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the contestants for their dedication and hard work.
Championing mental health
Beyond the competition and the honour of winning, the most significant aspect of this journey for me was the opportunity to champion mental health and wellbeing. This has always been central to my life and work. In a world where mental health is often medicalised—and necessarily so for many—I’ve found my calling in exploring and advocating for alternative avenues of support, particularly through the arts.
As the founder of Society of Strays, a company that develops arts-based mental health projects for both young people and adults, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of creativity and community in fostering mental wellness. The arts offer a unique space for expression, connection, and healing—one that is often overlooked in traditional mental health approaches.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to using the platform that comes with the Mr Gay Great Britain title to amplify this message. I want to share my own story, not just as a competitor who won a title, but as someone who has spent the past ten years finding ways to cope with mental health challenges. I’ve found strength in creative expression and have used my skills to support others. My goal is to connect with people who are going through similar experiences and to advocate for more holistic approaches to mental health care, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, which faces its own unique challenges.
The importance of friendship
Throughout the competition, I battled a lot of self-doubt. But in those moments of uncertainty, I leaned into what I knew best: building genuine relationships with others. I focused on connecting with my fellow contestants, the audience, and everyone involved in the competition on a personal level. This really helped me navigate some the pressure and also led to the expansion of my social circle in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
“The friendships and connections I made during this journey have been a source of strength and focus during what has been, admittedly, a challenging time in my life.”
Andy Gardiner
Thank you to Mr Gay Great Britain
I am profoundly grateful to the Mr Gay Great Britain directors and the friends I made along the way for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. Their belief in me helped me push through my insecurities and embrace the competition with an open heart. I want to again extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who supported my fundraising efforts—the artists and audiences who attended the events, those who donated money or prizes, and everyone who took the time to vote for me. The outpouring of kindness and support from strangers, friends, and family has been overwhelming and heartwarming.
Winning this title is just the beginning. I’m committed to continuing my advocacy for mental health support, especially through the arts, and to making a difference in the lives of others who, like me, have faced or are facing mental health challenges. The journey ahead is full of possibilities, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Main feature image: courtesy of Andy Gardiner
