Tim Küsters is in the home stretch of his reign as Mr. Gay Europe. Founded 20 years ago in Oslo, Norway, the competition celebrates knowledge, activism, fitness and friendliness as much as it recognizes good looks—there’s a written test about LGBTQ+ history and current events as well as photoshoots, one with contestants in formalwear, the other in their underwear.
Each winner of Mr. Gay Europe is expected to raise awareness of important LGBTQIA+ issues by visiting Prides across Europe and taking part in other public events. Küsters, who represented the Netherlands, competed to be an advocate for mental health, as well as to raise awareness about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people seeking to become parents. His partner, whose name is also Tim, is a father of two. Though Küsters is Dutch, he and his partner live in a small city near Antwerp, Belgium.
This year’s edition takes place in Amsterdam over four days, from July 29 to August 1, coinciding with Amsterdam Pride (July 26 to August 3, 2025). Twelve contestants—national finalists from 12 European countries—will compete for the sash, and Küsters will be head judge, participating in the free finale in Dam Square, on the mainstage at Pride.
Küsters, who is a digital marketing and communications specialist, talked to Pink Ticket Travel about the travelling he’s done as Mr. Gay Europe and what he hopes he achieved during his reign.
What motivated you to compete to become Mr. Gay Europe?
I started out to be an ambassador for the community, focusing on helping LGBTQ+ people have children. It’s difficult in the Netherlands, in Belgium, in Europe, but in other parts of the world, it’s not even possible. I had a desire to have children even before I met my boyfriend, who has two children. So for me, that was a big relief and a good ending, because I didn’t have to go through all the processes that other people have to go through. Each year, the competition focuses on a theme, and ours was mental health. Every LGBTQ+ person—every person—can experience difficulties in their lives, times when they’re not feeling great about themselves. So I came up with the campaign “Be Proud, Be Strong, Be Mentally Healthy” to encourage open conversations, empathy and support for individuals facing mental health challenges. For example, one in six people experiences signs of depression. That’s one of six of my friends, your friends. Sometimes we don’t see that somebody’s struggling. When we ask questions like, “How are you?” do we really listen to the person’s answer? That’s one of the things I wanted to touch on.
For 2025, we are looking for the next ambassador, who will focus on a different theme and really put their heart and soul into it.
That’s very important work. Is there also a fun side to being Mr. Gay Europe?
Of course. You get to travel all over Europe—I went to places I thought I’d never visit. For example, I went to Arctic Pride (Tromsø, Norway, November 10 to 17, 2025), which is the most northern Pride in the world. I had never experienced a Pride in the wintertime. It was fun to be near the Northern Lights and interacting with people from all over Europe and the world. I was invited to speak and made a little speech on stage. Unlike most Prides, for this one I had to wear full winter gear.
I also got to go to Euro Pride in Thessaloniki, Greece. (The next Euro Pride is in Lisbon, Portugal, June 14 to 22, 2025. The next Thessaloniki Pride is June 21, 2025). That was very nice. It was more focused on building the community in the country because Greece has been behind with both legislation and acceptance. It was great to see the government getting behind it. I really like the Mediterranean countries. I had a nice walking tour of the city. I went to Amsterdam, Brussels, Norway three times, Barcelona, Sitges twice, Germany, London Pride. A lot of European Prides have the same dates, so I had to choose which ones to go to.
What was a special moment, something that really touched you?
What stayed with me the most was the Human Rights Congress in Thessaloniki, where I got the chance to talk about mental health at the Human Rights Congress. There were legislators there, in the audience, and also organizations and people fighting to push boundaries. Another special moment was meeting the mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, where I got the chance to speak with her about the work that we are doing. She was really kind, very open.
What’s something you learned during your time as Mr. Gay Europe?
Don’t take no for an answer. I think there’s a stigma because people think, “Oh, you should be the most handsome to win the title.” But it’s really about what you do for the community. You have to get people to work with you. It’s more than just being a pretty face.
Do you get to jump the queue at Pride events and clubs because you’re Mr. Gay Europe?
I don’t know. I’ve never tried it. Sometimes it’s arranged that I’m supposed to skip the line, which is a nice bonus. But I’m not waving a flag, saying, “Please let me through.”
What was the club you liked the most?
Enola Bar Club (Second floor, Valaoritou 19, Thessaloniki). They had a big party there for Euro Pride. It’s a big club with three levels.
When you hand over the job of Mr. Gay Europe, what are you going to do next?
More free time would be great. I’ve been naked to compete for the Netherlands for Mr. Gay World, but they have a different goal—it’s more about looks.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
