Stay away gays, Chinese say

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - After two consecutive years of hosting the Mr Gay World competition in Knysna, a move by Chinese authorities curtailing the 2019 competition is bringing the extravaganza back to the Western Cape.

During this year's competition in May, it was announced that the annual international search for a gay role model had been set to take place in Hong Kong from 28 April to 4 May 2019. According to a recent press release, however, the hosting company located on the Chinese mainland has confirmed that it cannot proceed with organising the contest due to a clampdown by the Chinese authorities on LGBTQ affirming events and campaigns.

President and founder of Mr Gay World Eric Butter expressed his great disappointment shortly thereafter and cited "the struggles that our Chinese colleagues and their families are facing in their homeland" as an aspect of his dismay. "The safety of our delegates and their families is of utmost importance," he added.

The 2018 title holder, Australian Jordan Bruno, echoed Butter's sentiments, adding, "Their stance demonstrates why Mr Gay World is still such a relevant and important competition."

'Silver lining'
Butter keeps his chin up though. "There is always a silver lining. I'm pleased that we will once again work with South Africa and their supporting LGBTQ community. This time we are going to Cape Town!”

The 2019 competition, which will take place on the same dates, coincides with the 50th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Riots in New York city that had members of the LGBTQ community rise up against ongoing police abuse and constituted the start of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, Butter said.

Mr Gay Belgium, Jaimie Deblieck, during the Mr Gay World Pageant in Knysna earlier this year.

Mr Gay World board of directors chair Igor Scheurkogel said that in light of the Stonewall anniversary, Mr Gay World now has a unique opportunity to highlight the homophobic response by the Chinese authorities as another clear sign that LGBTQ people remain under pressure in many parts of the world.

All involved, including Scheurkogel and Mr Gay World himself, Bruno, agree that South Africa is the ideal option to replace Hong Kong as it is the only African country that offers its LGBTQ citizens marriage equality and specified constitutional protections.

For more information visit www.mrgayworld.com.

Article: Staff reporter

The Mr Gay World 2018 competition was held in Knysna during May this year. Next year's competition was set for China but has now been moved to Cape Town. Photo: Knysna-Plett Herald