The head of World Pride Madrid has called for more work to be done across the globe on LGBT rights and freedoms while speaking at the official opening ceremony of the first Mr. Gay World competition to be ever held in Spain.
Juan Carlos Alonso addressed the 21 Mr. Gay World delegates presented at a media conference today and thanked them all for their commitment and congratulated them for their bravery.
“We are very lucky to live in a city and a country where we have reached liberty ad freedom with gay rights but there are many may places in the world where people are executed and punished for their sexual orientation so there is still a lot of work to be done,” said Alonso through a translator.
“Each one of you that steps forward becomes a beacon for gay rights and for the visibility of gays and lesbians and the LGBT community, it takes a lot of guts and we thank you.
Mr. Gay World also serves as one of the first events of World Pride which will be held in Madrid later in the year.
“So I want you to know that when you are preparing for the challenges or you are preparing to come on stage, keep in mind and remember that you represent the voice of those people that can’t express themselves or can’t come out.”
Mr. Gay World combines the best of the gay community in a competition to find the ultimate ambassador. Each year, a group of gay men from around the World converge on a city to be measured against each other in an effort to bring gay issues to the forefront and to my the next group of gay leaders and this year it is in Madrid.
Speaking at the opening of the 2017 competition, Co-founder and Mr. Gay World President Eric Butter said he was delighted that the event could be held for the first time in Madrid and Maspalomas given this year Madrid will also host World Pride.
“Mr. Gay World is an event whose purpose is the visibility of LGBT groups making inroads in those countries where there is punishment or nonaccepteance,” said Butter at the Official Opening.
“Our job is to get these brave men[Mr. Gay World Delegates] to represent their countries and normalise LGBT rights in the world.”
Last year’s winner Roger Gosalbez also spoke to the delegates calling on them to be visible both during and after the competition is over.
“The most important thing is to enjoy the competition, make friends share your personal experiences.”
Last Updated on May 6, 2017
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