It’s been 20 years since the first Mr. Gay Canada was crowned in Vancouver, and tomorrow the organizers of the competition will pay tribute to him at the event’s kick-off at Celebrities Nightclub.
Event organizer Terry Costa said the unconventional beauty pageant hasn’t been held since 1987, and that honouring the late Dean Ryane is a way of measuring the progress that’s been made in gay rights since then.
“We’re looking for the most outgoing, well-spoken (delegate) … who can go anywhere and represent our country,” said Costa.
The winner, who will be chosen Sept. 20, will represent Canada at the International Mr. Gay competition in California and act as an advocate for the community, promoting respect, equality and awareness.
Aaron Ursacki, 29, one of 10 delegates competing in the contest, said Vancouver tends to be an accepting city, but added he was surprised by some of the negative feedback he’s heard about the event.
“This contest is needed, obviously, from a lot of these comments,” he said, adding that one person called it a slap in God’s face.
Ursacki he wants to debunk myths and stereotypes about gay men and to humanize the community to those who are still threatened by it.
