SA to host Mr Gay World event for third time

SOUTH AFRICA will make history as the country was announced the host of the 10th edition of the Mr Gay World competition for the third time.

Taking place in Knysna in May, for the second time the prestigious event will run with the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival, Africa’s biggest LGBTIQ+ cultural gathering.

Mr Gay World is an annual global competition to find a spokesperson who best represents the finest qualities of the gay community and embodies the spirit of his nation.

Mr Gay World president Eric Butter said: “The 10th Mr Gay World marks a milestone and is very important for our organisation. We have worked with the team in South Africa twice and it has always been a pleasure; they have the very best work ethic and they always deliver a world-class event.”

Butter said they chose South Africa because they wanted the international community to support rebuilding Knysna following the devastating fires in June, by incorporating it with the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival Knysna 2018.

Knysna Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies described the event as a further boost to the town’s recovery.

“I do not hesitate in throwing my support behind this initiative… with the added benefit of hosting Mr Gay World, the 2018 Pink Loerie will, without a doubt, lure more visitors to our legendary LGBTIQ+ festival and beautiful area.”

She said the Greater Knysna needed the national and international exposure to prove to the world that the region was open for business, “despite the terrible tragedy of the recent fires”.

South Africa has snatched the Mr Gay World title twice, in 2010 and 2011. The country also hosted the contest in 2012 in Johannesburg and 2015 in Knysna.

Next year’s event runs from May 20-27, with the grand finale on May 26. Tickets go on sale from February 1. The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival runs from May 24-27.