Matt Bays

Matt Bays is a speaker, life coach, and author known for his candid voice, humor, and deep compassion. Celebrated for his nationally released memoir Finding God in the Ruins and his LGBTQ memoir Leather & Lace, he blends heart, insight, and real-life experience in his work. His latest book, How to Find & Keep a Gay Man, continues that mission.

His work—spanning writing, music, and podcasting—has been featured in The New York Times, HuffPost, The Advocate, and Out Magazine.

Through his podcast How to Find (& Keep) a Gay Man, Matt empowers gay men to pursue connection, healing, and lasting love. Once a closeted minister, he now uses his platform to inspire authenticity and courage in others. Often compared to writers like Anne Lamott and Glennon Doyle, Matt offers a raw, funny, and deeply human lens on the journey toward wholeness.

He lives in Porto, Portugal with his husband, Chris. Connect on Instagram @mattbayswriter.