CAIRO: April's Mr. Gay World contest is to have four African finalists taking the stage, organizers of the Johannesburg event said late last month. “It's a major development. It's the first time that black Africans will participate, which sends out a powerful message of hope to LGBTI people in Africa. A message that there are role models and that one can live as a successful and open LGBTI person,” said Coenie Kukkuk, Africa Director for Mr. Gay World. The delegates representing Africa are Robel Gizaw Hailu from Ethiopia, Wendelinus Hamutenya from Namibia, Lance Weyer from South Africa and Taurai Zhanje from Zimbabwe. Homosexuality is illegal in 38 African countries, with Mauritania, Sudan, and northern Nigeria allowing for the death penalty. A number of African countries in recent weeks have spoken out against the United Nations effort to increase rights for the LGBT community in the continent, with government officials arguing that the gay community is “reprehensible” and “should be given no rights.” Kukkuk noted: “It's significant that an Ethiopian delegate is participating. The capital city Addis Ababa is the seat of the African Union, so it sends a strong political message.” He added that other African delegates might be considered for the contest. “Only those countries that have national competitions which are licensed to Mr Gay world are invited to participate. Due to space and logistics there is a quota for every continent and the four spaces allocated to Africa are now filled,” explained Kukkuk. “However, should any other continent not fill its quota then applications for extra delegates will be considered.” South Africa previously won the Mr. Gay World title in 2010 and 2011. In December last year, shortly after he was crowned the first-ever Mr. Gay Namibia, Hamutenya was assaulted by men who demanded his winnings. There were fears at the time that the incident could hamper efforts by Mr. Gay World to secure more African delegates. Earlier that year local group LGBTI Namibia declined to endorse the Mr. Gay Namibia contest, in part due to fears of a backlash against gays and lesbians in the country. The 2012 Mr. Gay World competition will be held in Johannesburg from April 4 to 8. Mr. Gay World describes its mission as being “to advance national and international gay rights through education and public performance.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/XeOoq Tags: Africa, LGBT, Mr Gay World, rights Section: Africa, Culture, Human Rights, Latest News
