Mr Gay World 2012 won by German man

A stationery store manager representing New Zealand has won the title of Mr Gay World in Johannesburg.

Andreas Derleth, 32, who works at Warehouse Stationery, last night won the annual contest for gay men standing up for gay and human rights.

Originally from Germany, Derleth moved to New Zealand four years ago on a working holiday visa and “fell in love” with the country.

Last month, he told GayNZ.com that he was excited about the competition as he would meet new people standing up from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) community.

“Sometimes gay life is still stereotyped and having such an amazing event showing role models will add to the acceptance of GLBT people,” he said.

The Mr Gay competition took place over four days and included various challenges, including a photo, sports, fashion, swim suit, public speaking, and local outreach challenges.

On the contest’s website, it said the winner would not only have the inner beauty of confidence, self-assurance, charisma and natural leadership abilities, but would also take care of his physical beauty.  Read More