NZ wins Mr Gay World
New Zealand’s Andreas Derleth (pictured left) was crowned Mr Gay World 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday.
The German-born operations project manager also took home a swathe of awards including Mr Gay Swimwear, Best Interview and the Sports Challenge.
Derleth competed in the second Asia-Pacific Outgames and recently entered into a same-sex civil union in New Zealand with his long-term partner.
This year marked the event’s fourth year. Twenty-two countries competed, including Australia which was represented by Benjamin Michael.
As the winner, Derleth received a sterling silver medal, approximately $25,000 travel allowance to visit five continents during his reign and a one-week holiday to South Africa including flights from New Zealand.
The title comes with advocacy responsibilities and the holder is expected to champion national and international gay rights through education and public speeches.
The first runner-up was South Africa’s Lance Weyer, followed by contestants from France, the USA and the Netherlands.
The judging panel of seven included Australian gay magazine DNA’s editor Andrew Creagh and the president of Mr Gay World and fellow Australian Eric Butter.
Next year’s competition which will be held in Antwerp, Belgium on August 1 – 5 and will coincide with the World OutGames being held in the city.
INFO: Photo courtesy of MrGayEurope/MrGayWorld
