Cape Town – Eight LGBTQ+ contestants from all over the world have gathered in Cape Town ahead of Mr Gay World finale on Saturday.
The eligible contenders include a mix of authors, a lawyer, transgender activist, and a personal trainer from the USA, South Africa, Germany, Philippines, Spain, Puerto Rico, Chile and the Czech and Slovakian Republics, who share a passion for queer activism.
The competition seeks to establish ambassadors for the LGBTQ+ community who will champion for human rights. The contestants are made up of national winners from Mr Gay World who will take part in a variety of categories before a winner is crowned.
The show was originally meant to include 13 contestants, but the show’s spokesperson, Ziyanda Yono said some of the contenders could not pass through other countries and could therefore not make it in time.
South Africa’s very own Shanon Kannigan will participate in the event that will take place at the Artscape Opera House.
Kannigan, 29, is the current title holder for Mr Gay World South Africa.
"I’m a proudly gay, cancer surviving, body positive 29-year-old from Actonville in the city of Benoni, Johannesburg,“ he told Weekend Argus.
Kannigan works as admin and finance manager for IT company 3xCom.
Aside from being a finance whizz, Kannigan has a passion for fashion.
“I have been in music videos and a back up dancer (where) I perform various dance styles mainly amapiano and hip hop,” said Kannigan who is also a model.
Kannigan was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a type of cancer where white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control and cause swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body
“Due to the support and prayers of my family and friends and grace of God I’m now fours years in remission,” he said.
Tony Ardolino, 30, is Mr Gay World United States and told Weekend Argus he was ecstatic to take part in the competition.
“I’m beyond thrilled be to be here in beautiful South Africa to be considered for the title of Mr Gay World,” said Ardolino.
Ardolino is the author of an LGBTQ+ children’s book “Gill the Merboy” and also started the “Gay Big Brother” organization that mentors queer youth on suicide prevention and anti bullying campaigns.
Max Appenroth, 36, is a transgender activist and diversity consultant based in Germany.
Appenroth is in his final year of a PhD programme in Public Health researching access to HIV prevention for the transgender community.
“Additionally, I run my own diversity consulting company,” he said. .
Appenroth is also an author, TV personality and his Mr Gay Germany 2022 campaign #ProudToBeAlive was aimed at reducing high suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
He is the first transgender person ever to compete in a Mr Gay World competition.
José López, born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, had to overcome quite a few obstacles in life.
The 32-year-old is the eldest of three brothers who were raised by their mother.
“In my development I suffered from childhood obesity, bulimia, speech problems, bullying and situations that led me to try to deprive myself of life on multiple occasions,” said López who is optimistic that he will clinch the title.
Jhapett Santos Raymundo, 30, is from the Philippines and has dedicated his life to creating a legacy that impact the next generation.
“I want to provide them free learning and access to sexuality education in all state universities (in) my country .. Because I believe that acceptance not only starts from home, but also learned in campus.”
A 27-year-old lawyer, Ronaldo Carlos Molina Giménez, will be representing Spain.
His work focuses on fighting for human rights for the queer community on global scale.
“Mr Gay World is the perfect platform to promote my work towards a better legal perspective for the LGBTQI+ community worldwide,” he said.
Jesús Castillo, 33, from Chile, is a personal trainer who is ready to flex his muscles to battle it out for the crown and be a champion for queer activism.
“I have worked against machismo, toxic masculinity and homophobia for more than eight years. Additionally, I advocate for the improvement of LGBTQI+ rights in my country and beyond ... My motto is to give back, to empower oneself and one's community,” said Castillo.
Representing Czech and Slovakia Republics, Kevin Drábek, 49, is hoping to walk away with the coveted title.
“I come from historical Prague and studied diplomacy and foreign relationships,” he said, adding that he adores art and classical music.
“Everybody is unique and beautiful ... It is connected to mental health and self confidence.”
Weekend Argus.