The 15th edition of the Mr Gay World pageant returns to Cape Town on Friday with 11 delegates from across the globe set to take the stage.
The hunks hail from South Africa, India, Great Britain, Guam, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the Philippines, Spain, Thailand and the USA, all with a mission to be crowned Mr Gay World and Mr Gay World Pride 2023.
The Daily Voice got to meet the delegates ahead of the competition at Honey & Dora in De Waterkant and they opened up about the challenges they face being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and how they plan to bring about change and inclusivity should they win the competition.
Representing SA is pilot and businessman, Markus Coetzee from Pretoria: “I’m from a diverse country and my interactions with various countries and people with various backgrounds has taught me invaluable life lessons which I will gladly share with everyone.
“[This is] acceptance on another level, lifting each other up, building people which I can say with pride is phenomenal of all South Africans.”
Tears flowed as some delegates shared how they were bullied after coming out, battling mental health, and even contemplating suicide after being rejected by society and their family.
The Mr Gay World pageant takes place at Infinity Studios in Paarden Eiland on Friday while Mr Gay World Pride is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue.
Media personality Danilo Acquisto and Drag sensation, Adam the Glamour Clown, will host the events.
Tickets are available at R280 at Ticketpro.
marsha.dean@inl.co.za