As someone who works within LGBTQ+ inclusion in the corporate space, Mr Gay India Suresh Ramdas knows a thing or two about the issues facing the community, but it’s Mr Gay World where he now wants to do more and be the “Voice for the Voiceless”.
Born in Mumbai and raised in different parts of Karnataka from the southwest area of India, the 37-year-old initially liked the idea of entering the Mr Gay India competition because it would be a brilliant platform to reach out to more people across India.
“Secondly, this is the only competition in India wherein the criteria for taking part are the following three, identify as Gay, out to family and desire to do something for the community,” Ramdas explained to Gay Nation
“Nothing about age, body type, etc.”
“I initially thought they might be like the regular beauty pageants. But when I applied, I was blown away by their response
“So here I was at 37, dark-skinned, bald, with an average physique from South India, and my application was accepted for the next round,” Ramdas mentioned to Gaylaxy.
Ramdas continued through the rounds competing in written tests, swimwear, social media, talent and finally the national costume before being crowned Mr Gay India 2019.
But he is determined his attendance at Mr Gay World will be about others, the voiceless as he puts it, not himself.
“All my life events have had a purpose which I’m now able to see clearly.
“All this motivated me to do more for my community, be it starting the LGBTQ ERG at my workplace, or to work for trans equity in society.
“Initiatives like starting a leadership program called Leading With Pride for our community people to build leaders for tomorrow.
“I feel a culmination of determination and the desire to help create a world beyond labels would be my mark on such a platform.”
Ramdas has travelled quite a bit but the trip to Cape Town is exciting due to the other delegates that he will meet.
“For me, I’m excited to meet the other delegates from other parts of the world as I’ve been in touch with others and I’m so inspired by the work they have been doing.”
Mr Gay India will join more than twenty others from around the globe for Mr Gay World in Cape Town South Africa from April 28 to May 4 and Gay Nation will be there to cover all the action.
Last Updated on Apr 24, 2019
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