Australia’s Jordan Bruno wins Mr Gay World 2018
This marks the first time the country has won the coveted title
By Steve Brown
Australian Jordan Bruno has been crowned Mr Gay World 2018.
The Gay Chef author took the crown at the contest in South Africa marking the first time Australia has won the coveted title.
Bruno won six out of the 12 categories including personal interview, social responsibility, best in formal wear, public [online] vote, photogenic and face of 2018, Gay Nation reported.
While collecting the title, he gave an emotional speech and said he wants to use his title to fight for LGBT+ equality.
He said: “Am I emotional? I’m always emotional. I only cried for a minute which is pretty good for me. Normally I cry for half a day.
“I’m also feeling inspired, the panel of judges that elected me, they’re huge role models internationally and for their nations, so to receive an award from them and get recognised means a lot.
“The first thing I would like to do is consolidate with the other contestants about what they’re trying to do and see if I can contribute to any way and help with their missions.
“I also really want to release a line of videos tackling LGBTI issues within our own community. Femme shaming, body issues, lesbian discrimination at pride festivals, we’ve got so much to do.”
New Zealand’s Ricky Devine-White won second place and over the course of the competition, Bruno said the two had become close.
He said: “The fact [is] that you are in a competition and you’re also like a family at the same time, which is quite interesting because you are competing against each other but also each other’s best friend as well.
“I’ll keep in touch with all of these guys, they are now part of the family when we travel to their countries.”