Paul Carruthers (he/him) is a nurse consultant at Gender Plus, the UK's first gender hormone service to receive CQC registration for treating trans and non-binary individuals aged 16 and over. He's also Mr Gay Britain 2023!

Whilst campaigning for this accolade and since, Paul has been leveraging his title to champion trans rights, challenge false narrative around trans healthcare (deeply needed right now) and advocate for same-sex parenting through adoption. He's a role model, advocate and a bit of a hero so having kept up with him for a while, I was stoked to find out more about him.

Being similar ages, so much of Paul's story resonated with me and will do with many other gay people our age (early 40s / baby midlife queers). Growing up as a shy, effeminate kid, Paul experienced a great deal of bullying, shame and internalised homophobia - all topics that can be triggering so pleased take care of yourself whilst listening.

Yet Paul found his voice and purpose - through his life changing work, passionate campaigning and his ultimate dream to become a parent. To two boys who he is raising to be respectable, accepting and amazing humans. Paul describes himself and his origin story with the 'Shy, Dedicated and Made-It'. I hope you love listening to this conversation as much as I loved having it.

PS. Please support Paul in his journey to becoming My Gay World. Give him a follow, support & love over on Insta: @paul_cc123