Matthew Todd served as the Editor-in-Chief of Attitude Magazine, also known as UK’s best-selling gay magazine, for eight years. Beginning his association with the magazine in 1996 as an Editorial Assistant, he worked his way up to interviewing some of the biggest stars of our times like Madonna, Daniel Radcliffe, Lady Gaga, Sir Elton John, former Prime Minister of the UK David Cameron and even HRH Prince William. Recipient of the 2011 Stonewall Journalist of the Year award, he is a revered figure in his field. A proud member of the LGBTQ community, Matthew now uses his position as a speaker to discuss LGBT issues and history, diversity, mental health, alcohol addiction, and what it’s like to live in the close when hired to speak at a range of events.
An author par excellence Matthew published his first book “Straight Jacket: Overcoming Societies Legacy of Gay Shame” in 2018 with Penguin Random House UK. This book was referred to as “an essential read for every gay person on the planet” by Sir Elton John and was shortlisted for the Polari award. Receiving one rave review after another, “Straight Jacket” was voted as Best LGBT Book of the Year by Boyz Magazine readers in 2017. In conjunction, Matthew received the Freedom of the City of London award. His next book “Pride - The Story of the LGBTQ rights movement” was published in 2019.
Recipient of three Editor of the Year awards from British Society Magazine Editors, Matthew’s work at Attitude Magazine is celebrated. His 10-page feature called “How to Be Gay and Happy” in Attitude Magazine created space for very pertinent conversations about what it’s like to live in the closet. In an effort to give the LGBTQ community the recognition they deserve, Matthew co-created the Attitude Awards to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ community. These awards were attended by luminaries like HRH Prince Harry, Cher, Carrie Fisher, Graham Norton, Naomi Campbell, Will Young, Matt Lucas, Boy George, Kylie Minogue, and Daniel Radcliffe. He also co-created the Attitude Pride Awards to celebrate unsung heroes of the LGBTQ community. Before he left Attitude Magazine in 2016, his last issue featured the first Royal Statement against LGBTQ+ bullying made by HRH Prince William.
A man of many interests and talents, Matthew is the playwright of “Blowing Whistles” which talks about gay mental health, addiction, and fidelity which played in USA and Australia. He has also presented two films for BBC Newsnight and hosted “The Matthew Todd Show” at Soho Theatre. A stand-up comedian who ran an LGBT-friendly night at The Yard in Soho, and an actor in the BBC Radio 4 drama “How Success Ruined Me” and a short film called “The Act”, Matthew also regularly writes for The Evening Standard and Guardian. Having previously spoken at events for Lloyds Bank, Redbull, Barclays, and PayPal, he is available to speak at a range of events on LGBT issues, mental health, and diversity. If you are looking for a passionate and experienced speaker, Matthew Todd is an excellent choice to hire for your next event.
