The Mr Gay Namibia 2022, slated for tomorrow at the Nampower Convention Centre, further wants to create a positive image of the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) community, and to promote a Namibian society, where all people are equally accepted as human beings.
The pageant further aims to promote tolerance, understanding and an authentic enjoyment of the cultural diversity that creates a truly vibrant country.
Pioneer of the contest Wendelinus Ndiwakalunga Hamutenya-Jeremia told VIBEZ! Mr Gay Namibia plays a vital role in advocating for authenticity.
“The winner of Mr Gay Namibia is a fine, fit and youthful specimen of manhood, who is a confident and articulate ambassador of the country’s gay populace,” said Hamutenya-Jeremia.
“Recognising that there is more
than one way to be a man, the titleholder of Mr Gay Namibia will do philanthropic work within the community for the rest of his reign, call to unite the country’s gay men in presenting a fun, festive and friendly image of the gay community in Namibia, attend events and represent the community”.
Hamutenya-Jeremia is confident that every Mr Gay Namibia will continue in the tradition set before him as a symbol of pride, excellence and progress through determination.
Having been trimmed down to 10 finalists from a list of 30, contestants will strut their stuff on the runway for the prestigious title and an opportunity to represent Namibia at the annual Mr Gay World pageant.
They are Nathan Basson (25), Wesley Geingob (21), Antonio Garureb (24), Stephano de Wee (20), Dudley Hoabeb (29), Ethan van Rooi (19), Oelof Henning (37), Chaulken McNab (28), Daniel Lazarus (20) and Mecaver Gawaxab (32).
The judges are, among others, Linda Baumann, Romano Fabrish and Ivy Hailombe. Namibian socialite OC Ebs and CEO of Drag Night Namibia Rodelio Lewis will be the MCs.
The finale will see performances by Dama Monique, Top Cheri, Bongani and others.
Mr Gay Namibia 2021 Jason-Lee McKay told VIBEZ! that during his reign, one of the focus points was self-acceptance and self-love.
“We are judged for the way we are. My advice is be who you want to be and not what others want to see,” said the soft-spoken Keetmanshoop native.
He reassured support and guidance to the incoming titleholder, saying: “Believe in yourself; you can do this. You have my love and support during your reign. You are called for greatness, and your year is going to be a footprint of breakthrough for many to come”.
Entrance is N$100 in advance and N$150 at the door for standard seats, N$350 for general seats and N$ 650 for VIP seats.
The red carpet event starts at 18h00 and the contest at 19h00.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na