Or more truthfully, I would’ve hidden behind a wall of silence. Because for a long time, visibility felt dangerous. And being gay wasn’t something you said out loud—especially not as a Black man from a culture that prizes toughness, masculinity, and tradition.
That silence nearly cost me my peace.
Like so many, I’ve walked through years of shame, denial, and coded language. I was taught that to be gay was to be “less than”—less of a man, less worthy of love, less deserving of respect. Even inside the LGBTQ+ community, I often struggled to see myself reflected: the queer narratives I grew up with rarely showed men who looked or sounded like me.
So why did I enter Mr Gay GB?
Because I’m done shrinking. Because I believe in representation. Because somewhere out there, a younger version of me is scrolling through a feed or flicking through a magazine, wondering if there’s space in the world for someone like him. And I want him to see that there is.
I entered not just for the crown, but for the platform. I entered to help rewrite the script of what gay masculinity can look like—and to remind people that you don’t have to soften yourself to belong. You don’t have to fit anyone’s expectations. You get to take up space exactly as you are.
Outside of the competition, I’m a chef and a full-time father to my incredible son, King. He’s my daily reminder of why authenticity matters. I want to model the kind of bravery I hope he carries into his own life. Running a soul food kitchen while raising a child solo has taught me how to nourish people—in every sense of the word. That’s what I’m trying to do with this journey too: nourish a conversation, nurture representation, and serve up something meaningful.
As part of my campaign, I’m supporting two incredible charities:
- Pride Action North champions LGBTQ+ visibility and support across the North of England.
- The Charlie & Carter Foundation provides financial support to families of seriously ill children.
Both causes resonate deeply with me. One speaks to my identity, the other to my experience as a parent. Supporting both reflects the full spectrum of who I am—not just a contestant, not just a dad, not just a gay man, but all of the above, proudly.
Winning Mr Gay GB would be an incredible honour—but truthfully, I already feel like I’ve won something more powerful: my voice. And if I can use it to lift others up, to spark change, to open even one more mind or heart—then I’ll know this journey was worth every vulnerable moment.
So thank you, QX Magazine, for offering me space to speak. And thank you to everyone who’s walked beside me, lifted me, and reminded me that being real is more powerful than being perfect.
To the queer kids growing up in silence—your time will come. And when it does, speak loudly. We’ll be listening.
With love,
Andrew Akuruka
Finalist – Mr Gay GB 2025
THE GRAND FIANLE of Mr Gay GB & Mx DRAG GB is on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, at Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1FJ, United Kingdom.
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