PAGEANT FOR PROGRESS

Mr. Gay Universe Thailand focuses on contestants' commitment to impactful social campaigns that address LGBTI issues

- STORY AND PHOTOS: THANA BOONLERT

There is more to a gay pageant than crowning the good-looking, charismatic winner. Beneath the glamorous veneer lies an expectation that the candidate have goodwill and sacrifice himself for the community. And this is what the champion of Mr. Gay Universe Thailand 2025 should embody.

After an audition in May, 24 contestants pitched social campaigns on a wide range of topics from safe space to sexual health for LGBTIs at University of Phayao’s College of Management in Bangkok on July 5. The winner of the Best Pride Campaign will be announced on Saturday and then fast-tracked to the final round the same day. The national representative will compete on the global stage.

Mr. Gay Universe is an international competition that aims to enhance the visibility of gay men, empowering them to be role models and change-makers in their communities. It is expected to take place in India in November.

“Today's event allows contestants to promote human rights and gender equality,” said Nikorn Chimkong, director of the Bangkok Rainbow Organisation, which has held the national gay pageant for seven years. Previously, it was named Mr. Gay World Thailand.