On September 14, 2008, the Gay community of Puerto Vallarta will come together to select Mr. Gay Puerto Vallarta 2008. The event is being organized by, and will benefit local non-profit Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. (VES) (Vallarta Confronts AIDS in English).
Similar local competitions are being held in cities in more than 20 countries, and are preliminary to selecting national Mr. Gay 2008 representatives. National winners will travel to Hollywood, California in February 2009 to compete for the title of Mr. Gay International. This is the second year that Puerto Vallarta has hosted a Mr. Gay event.
The concept for the Mr. Gay competitions originated in 2004, in order to advance the concept of international equal rights by confirming the essential nature and contributions of gay men to a healthy society where “gay” is not a stereotype. The mission is to honor and train national winners to be spokesmen for equality and the international Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Winners at each level compete based on physical attractiveness, as with any competition of this nature, but they must also demonstrate intelligence, responsibility, an awareness of current issues, and community involvement. The ability to thoughtfully articulate opinions on a range of topics is an essential part of the selection process.
The winner of Mr Gay Mexico 2007, Juan Jose Velasco Michel of Colima, is a 33-year-old architect and partner in two separate businesses. He is also President of a non-profit youth development organization, exercises regularly, and speaks Spanish and English. He was selected from among 17 contestants from across Mexico at the Mr. Gay Mexico Competition held in Guadalajara in December 2007.
Contestants for the Mr. Gay Puerto Vallarta Competition are now being sought. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, and should embody the ideals of the competition. They should be openly Gay, and available to travel if selected as a winner. Prizes include $5,000 pesos for First Place, as well as travel, clothing, jewelry, cruises, bar and restaurant certificates, and more. Second and Third Place winners will receive $2,000 and $1,000 pesos respectively, as well as other prizes. Those interested in competing should subscribe before September 10.
The event will begin at 9PM, on Sunday September 14, at the former Sr. Frog’s Club, Calle Venustiano Carranza #218, Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Mistress of ceremonies will be popular Mexican actress Alejandra Bogue, currently seen on her two Telehit programs, Guau and Que Show con La Bogue. She performed as “La Tesorito” for several years on the popular Televisa program Desde Gayola. The program lineup also includes other surprises.
An After-party will be held from 3 AM at Club Paco’s Ranch, on Calle Ignacio Vallarta.
For more information, tickets, or to inscribe as a contestant, contact either the Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA office at 322-223-0535, or Hotel Mercurio at 322-222-4793. Online inscriptions for contestants at www.mrgay.com.mx/inscripciones08.php . Tickets are $100 pesos, available in advance or at the door at the same price.
Additional information about Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA at www.vallartaenfrentasida.org .
