South Africa to host Mr Gay World^™ crowning for the second time

This crowning represents the highlight of Knysna’s 15^th Globeflight Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival in association with TRIARC and MRGSA.

Although the Grande Finale was moved from Cape Town to Knysna a month prior to the event, the Mother City still supports the MGW with R100 000 that will fund other related events there.

The concept of Mr Gay World^™ was born in June 2008 when Eric Butter and Dean Nelson embarked on a mission to create a global competition that would inspire and empower gay men through public solidarity.

The first Mr Gay World Competition took place in 2009 during the annual WinterPRIDE celebrations in the award winning mountain resort of Whistler in Canada with 24 delegates. Ireland’s Max Krzyanowski won this inaugural title. The seventh MGW crowning will take place at the Knysna Mall Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 2 May at 20:00.

Georlene Wolmarans, Knysna executive municipal mayor, said that Knysna being awarded the MGW crowning event is a wonderful recognition of Knysna’s diversity. "I look forward to welcoming delegates from the 23 countries to our beautiful town," said Wolmarans.

Managing director of Mr Gay World^™ 2015, Coenie Kukkuk smiled and said: "Everyone at the Globeflight Pink Loerie Grand Parade on Saturday (May 2) will no doubt choose their own favourite among the delegates. We’ll just have to wait and see who walks away with the coveted crown."

Delegates will travel South Africa in the company of the international MGW judges. They will be continually evaluated on their appearance, grooming, intellect, social skills as well as a written test on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) history, recent news events, an art challenge, sport and public speaking.

"The diversity of Knysna has long been the mainstay of the Pink Loerie Festival," said Knysna Tourism CEO, Greg Vogt. "One of the greatest things about our area is its people. The area is a lifestyle choice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in South Africa. Having the first South African married gay couple living in our area as well as the first gay couple who won the legal battle to adopt children in South Africa is proof of this acceptance."

At the crowning ceremony it will also be revealed who wins the acclaimed Eric Butter Philanthropy Award. This award recognises humanitarian accomplishment and inspirational leadership.

Among other cities that hosted Mr Gay World™ Grande Finale are Oslo, Sidney and Rome. South Africa is the only country ever to have been awarded this event twice.

"Knysna is turning pink. The town is looking forward to welcoming all delegates and especially our visitors. Arrangements have been made to ensure all enjoy safe travel, safety and the entertainment of our guests. We want all to have fun," concluded Vogt.

For more information about Mr Gay World^™, visit the website. Connect with Mr Gay World^™ on Facebook or follow them on Twitter using the #MGW2015 hashtag.

For more information about the Globeflight Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival, visit the Pink Loerie website. Alternatively, connect with Pink Loerie on Twitter.