Chef & author Jordan Bruno of Australia has won the crown and title of Mr. Gay World 2018.
In the ten year history of the event, this is the first time an Australian has been crowned the winner.
The international competition’s mission statement is to find a spokesperson who will push for global equality for LGBTIQ people.
During the 4-day competition in South Africa, Bruno came out on top in 6 out of 12 competition categories including personal interview, social responsibility, best in formal wear, online vote, photogenic and face of 2018.
“I was overwhelmed and it’s really an honor,” said Bruno, who hails from Perth. “For Australia, it gives us visibility and recognition, but it also gives us permission to help the world now.”
The handsome 26-year-old, who is also a columnist for DNA Magazine, says he plans on using his time as Mr. Gay World to unite the LGBTI community regarding subjects like body issues, femme shaming, lesbian discrimination at pride events and more.
Bruno told Attitude Magazine the experience of competing with fellow gays from around the world created a lasting bond between the contestants. “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,” he added.
Bruno had previously been a contestant on the cooking reality show, My Kitchen Rules.
Next year’s Mr. Gay World competition will be held in Hong Kong.
Check out some outtakes from Bruno’s Instagram below.
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