Troy Williams representing NZ at Mr Gay World in Rome

Troy Williams representing NZ at Mr Gay World in Rome

• Mr Gay World runs from 25 – 31 August

• New Zealand won in both 2012 and 2013

• Contestants from 32 nations taking part

Auckland’s Troy Williams has arrived in Rome with high expectations as he seeks to bring the Mr Gay World title back to New Zealand for the third year running.

“The competition schedule looks pretty intense with seven days of non-stop activities, and from what I can tell the competition this year is tougher than ever before,” Troy says.

“That said, I am very much looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and will hopefully represent New Zealand well.”

Troy is a medical student who was raised in Hawke’s Bay but now lives in Auckland, after spending six years working as a lawyer in Sydney and London.

He believes New Zealand has a way to go in terms of gay people being completely accepted by the broader population.

“There is still a percentage of the population that hasn’t quite got it that being gay is a normal way of life. I think working to increase acceptance more generally will also help reduce the feelings of depression and suicide that experienced by gay youth which is another big problem.”

Troy heads to Mr Gay World thanks to the support of ISP Wireless Nation.

“Wireless Nation recognises that Mr Gay New Zealand has been an important part of the community and the level of engagements between Mr Gay New Zealand and the general public have been astounding,” the team says. “We wish Troy the best of luck in Rome.”

Troy says preparations have gone well, “Thanks in large part to the help and support I have received from many people out in the community.

“Big thanks have to go to New Zealand AIDS Foundation helped me put together an awesome national costume and the team at Wireless Nation who have been amazingly supportive all year.”

New Zealand’s Christopher Olwage is the reigning Mr Gay World, while fellow countryman Andreas Derleth held the title in 2012.

There are 32 contestants in the hunt for the crown in 2014. The following countries are taking part: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Syria, United Kingdom, USA, Venezuela.

The delegates will take each other on in a range of competitions, for a week, until one is crowned Mr Gay World 2014.

Some of the challenges the delegates will face are a written test, photo session, sports challenge, swim wear competition, online popular vote, art challenge, speech and a strenuous “job interview” in front of seven judges from all over the world.

“Gay Village in Rome, the biggest and longest LGBT culture and entertainment event and organization worldwide, is proud to host the 2014 edition of Mr Gay World,“ says Gaia Logan, Executive Producer Mr Gay World 2014 Rome. “Our 13 year experience in entertaining people and smiling all the way through the fight for our rights will surprise the delegates in a positive way and make them proud. We are sure their days with us will be the best time they can have in Rome and we will do all our best to make this happen.”

You can follow Troy’s progress on the Mr Gay New Zealand Facebook page

www.facebook.com/mrgaynz

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