Mr Gay New Zealand 2016 Crowned This Sunday
Mr Gay New Zealand 2016 Crowned This Sunday
EIGHT DIVERSE FINALISTS BATTLE IT OUT - MEET THEM
The field for this year's Mr Gay New
Zealand title is as diverse as the community it
represents.
Amongst the finalists, this year are
two representatives from the South Island, a teen that had
attempted suicide, a man that overcame weight issues and a
Brazilian that now calls New Zealand home.
• Four
finalists born in other countries
• Six finalists that grew up in country towns and faced homophobia
• Broad range of occupations from a Journalist, Actor, Barista through to a landscaper and a student.
The
finalists of the 2016 Mr Gay New Zealand competition have
been preparing all week for the final judging which will
happen on Sunday at the official LYC Big Gay Out public
event at Auckland's Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier.
The
2016 version of the Mr Gay New Zealand competition has been
revitalised this year with a list of eight finalists named
and a move towards diversity and equality rather than a
beauty contest.
Mr Gay New Zealand 2015 and now
Producer of the Mr Gay New Zealand contest Matt Fistonich
said this year’s competition has seen a record number of
entrants.
“As far as I am aware there have never
been as many applicants for Mr Gay New Zealand in its
seven-year history,” said Fistonich.
“Not only
are we seeing a record number of applicants, we are also
seeing a large number of people apply from outside the
Auckland region, including applicants from Wellington,
Palmerston North, and Napier.”
Fistonich won last
year’s title and represented New Zealand at the Mr Gay
World Final in Cape Town, this year's winner will take off
to Malta in April.
Fistonich was keen to re-shape
the event this year, making it more public and invite
applicants that will show attributes such as leadership,
communication and their ability to engage with the wider
LGBTI community.
“I believe the Mr. Gay New
Zealand competition is a great opportunity for people to get
involved in and support the LGBTI community in New Zealand
and around the world.”
“The Mr. Gay New Zealand
platform provides kiwis with a fantastic opportunity to not
only challenge themselves mentally, but help them build
confidence, meet new people, learn new skills, and help in
their personal development.”
"We are so happy
that this year we have got such a broad and diverse range of
finalists."
MEET THE
FINALISTS
Paolo Amante - 22 -
Auckland - Was born in the Philippines and moved to
Auckland with his family in 2006. The struggle to come out
as gay is behind his decision to enter as well as his
struggle to get over his weight
issues.
Jacob Angus - 18 -
Auckland - As a 16-year-old who had just come out
to his family, Jacob Angus decided that as soon as he turned
18 he would apply to be Mr Gay New Zealand. Fast forward two
years and Jacob has achieved the first stage of his dream,
he is a finalist and he is very
excited.
Vinicius Galioli - 19 -
Auckland - Brazilian-born he believes the Mr Gay
New Zealand competition is a great way to change attitudes
towards the LGBTI community and other cultures which he has
seen first hand.
Aaron Gordon - 29 -
Auckland - Believes his volunteer work within the
LGBTQI community is one thing that will set him apart when
it comes to being judged for the 2016 Mr Gay New Zealand
competition.
William Hartley - 19 -
Palmerston North - Wants to use his position to
push for further LGBTI equality and is excited about the
opportunity of representing his region of the country at the
final.
Bernard Lee - 29 -
Wellington - Moved here from Borneo in 2009, he won
the 2015 Mr Gay Wellington competition and now sets his
sights on the 2016 Mr Gay New Zealand competition following
another year of working with diverse charity groups.
Jackson Taylor - 28 - Auckland -
Former Canadian who now lives in Auckland only came out as
gay three years ago after being brought up in an extremely
religious family and being bullied by country town locals
for being gay.
Sam White - 24 -
Balclutha - Hopes that the Mr Gay New Zealand
competition will give him the chance to shine a light on
LGBTI issues in small towns and help him become a role model
for others facing these issues.
Mr Fistonich said
the 2016 New Zealand competition mirrors many of the
attributes that are tested in the Mr. Gay World competition
and this new competition will give the local winner an edge
when heading to Malta.
“The competition gives
kiwis a unique opportunity to put themselves at the
forefront and encourage acceptance, inclusion and
understanding for one another. As a nation we must not
become complacent, we must continue to educate and encourage
a positive change for equality throughout the world,”
explained Fistonich.
“My time as Mr Gay New
Zealand 2015 has opened many doors, and given me the chance
to gain a greater understanding of the wide range of
challenges and issues that face members of the LGBTI
community around the world.”
As part of the
competition, there is a public voting aspect which is
currently underway and closes at 5 pm on Saturday. Anyone
can vote by going to www.mrgaynewzealand.com.
The
finalists will be on and off stage throughout the day on
Sunday with the winner being crowned later that
afternoon.
The Judges for this year's competition
are Tamati Coffey, Central Auckland MP Nikki Kaye, Cabaret
performer and human rights activist Medulla Oblongata, and
the current Mr. Gay New Zealand Matt Fistonich.
Mr
Gay New Zealand 2016 is sponsored and supported by LYC and
the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, The Tanning Room, Les
Mills, and eikonline.com.
ends