A 36 year old dog walker and former foster carer has become Mr Gay England for 2017. The Brighton man, an ambassador for the LGBT community entered the competition after friends encouraged him to take part. Matt Rood is running a campaign this year called Pride Families, among his many tasks is to raise awareness among the LGBT community about fostering and adoption.

Matt is passionate about fostering and enjoyed the experience he had as a foster carer with his ex-husband. The couple went on the foster for three years and Matt recently told The Journal that he wanted to promote equality in adoption and fostering stating “we, as members of the LGBT community can actually provide a loving and enriching environment for children. I want to show our community that no matter whether they are single or in a relationship and no matter what their sexuality is, they can become foster parents”.

Matt is now looking to compete for the title of Mr Gay Europe and acknowledges the work he will need to put into this will be immense. He admits he is nervous but also excited.

At Sunbeam Pride Fostering Agency we have a number of gay and lesbian foster carers. As Matt highlighted, whether you are single, in a relationship, gay, lesbian or transgendered, you can become a foster carer. If you feel you could foster for Sunbeam Pride then why not contact us on 01582 218 228.