Watch This: Who Will be Mr. Gay World 2017?

Photo Credits: Alexander Steyn Instagram

Hi, guys! Do you watch beauty pageants?

We asked because this year’s Mr. Gay World competition is well underway in Madrid and Maspalomas in Spain. It is an official event of WorldPride Madrid 2017 which started on May 5 and will culminate on May 10. They have 21 contestants vying for the title of Mr. Gay World with each of the delegates coming from countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Thailand, Slovak Republic, and Venezuela among others.

A number of mini-events was prepared for them to gauge their skills and leadership abilities, test their self-confidence, fitness and strength. They are also evaluated through their social campaign, patience, compassion, and their ability to inspire their peers and the people around them. Of course the participants are also judged by their outward appearance as much as on the inside so there is a fashion show/runway challenge on top of interviews, a photoshoot and swimwear competition, and sports challenge.

One winner will emerge as the voice of many and he will have the opportunity to represent gay men on global stage. We’ve taken a look at the contestants and found most of them have strong social campaign making it harder to choose not to mention they’re all gorgeous nevertheless, below are some of our favorites.

• Michael Dalpiaz, 34, Austria—Mike is a real estate agent and a dancer/performer and is an advocate for sports. His campaign is to spread anti-discrimination awareness not only outside the community but also inside.

• Budi Alamsyah, 29, Indonesia—Budi is a financial services professional who loves distance running and travelling. Having experienced hopelessness about his sexuality while growing up, Budi hopes to be a “positive example for young gay people and show them limitless possibilities of what they can be.” He is an advocate for self-acceptance, saying while he is not perfect, “Being gay is not a flaw.”

• John Raspado, 35, Philippines—John wishes to promote diversity, love, acceptance, and equality. This entrepreneur found a strong moral support from his family and community in spite of it being conservative and traditional. He shared how his mother had always told him, “Love comes from acceptance and from acceptance there’s understanding.” We love John because his message is timely and relevant in today’s modern world where, in some places gay men are still persecuted for being who they are. Then of course there’s Chechnya where parents (and relatives) are compelled to kill their own when found gay.

• Charlie Tredway, 33, New Zealand—Charlie is an openly HIV+ guy who passionately campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness so that new transmissions may end. He also hopes that with education, the stigma surrounding HIV will be reduced if not eradicated.

• Alexander Steyn, 35, South Africa—Alexander is a teacher, choreographer, and artist who hopes to push for better public policy for LGBT. He also campaigns for hope, love, and acceptance starting with the youth. “Life always makes a full circle. Make sure yours is one to be remembered,” Alexander concluded in his video below which you ought to watch.

Other contestants we love include Belgium and Switzerland. You may check and vote for them using this link. Tell us who your favorites are in the comments section below!

Best of luck to our 21 sizzling hot Mr. Gay World 2017 contenders.