Mr. GAY World 2012

by Melanie Nathan, April 08, 2012

Congratulations to New Zealand  for winning Mr. Gay World 2012, held this past week in South Africa and culminating in a packed finale. Yes my prediction was correct after seeing the man’s man, Andreas Derleth, win the sports challenge, I knew he would be first. Now the contestant from New Zealand takes the Title, Mr. Gay World, 2012.

Second place went to a deserving South African elected official, Lance Weyer with third place to Rémy Fréjaville, from France, an amazing position  for a first time participation by that country!

A big congratulations to South Africa and Coenie Kukkuk for a successful Mr. Gay World.

Twenty some years ago, South Africa, a bedrock of discrimination under the abhorrent Apartheid laws, would have been the last place on earth one could have imagined a competition of this nature.

Now South Africa boasts one of the few all inclusive Constitutions in the world, where it is illegal to discriminate against anyone based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and where it is perfectly legal to marry a same gender partner.

The country is still  problematic with a high crime rate, high unemployment,  high incidence of rape, failure by the administration to deliver basic services and much needed education to thwart homophobia.

Yet there is a lot to be said for the framework, especially on a continent where homosexuality is criminalized.  The  hope  that events such as  this will instill pride and understanding.  Perhaps the ruling ANC will eventually elect a worthy leader. President Zuma  has failed to take leadership on the issue of sexual minority human rights in Africa and has failed the most needy of his people.

Please support Equality Worldwide  – Please support GAY U.S.A. The Movie at http://www.indiegogo.com/gayusathemovie

My Articles on Mr. GAY World Competition 2012

Mr Gay World Includes Finalists from Criminalizing African Countries

by Melanie Nathan on February 21, 2012 in Africa, Entertainment, EVENTS, NEWS, WORLD { Edit }