Mr Gay Europe brings home title as city celebrates Pride

Matt, 37, a dog walker from Hove, was recently named Mr Gay England. He’s now taken the European title too, after a six-day event in Sweden, being crowned on Saturday (August 5), as Brighton celebrated Pride.

He said: “It is an absolute honour. I can’t believe how people on social media have got together to be so supportive. I’ve never even met these people and it’s lovely to bring it back to England.”

Challengers included men from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland and the Slovak Republic.

“All the other boys were fantastic, they all brought something amazing to the table,” said Matt. “It is interesting to be with people whose countries don’t have gay rights. It was good to hear their side of things. We take it for granted.”

Each competitor had to take on a campaign - and former foster parent Matt chose a cause close to his heart; LGBT foster care and adoption. Matt said: “I’m going to use the title to raise awareness to encourage LGBT foster carers and adopters to come forward, and to raise awareness through Europe as well.”

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove, said on Twitter this week: “Congratulations to Matt Rood, Hove resident and now Mr Gay Europe too!”