The Mr Gay South Africa pageant has been officially opened, calling for entries from all out and proud gay men in all provinces to partake in this year’s extravaganza, set to take place towards the end of this year.

“The aim is to host well organised and up market events around the country in the search for the ultimate gay man in South Africa, a candidate that the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community can be proud of”, event organizers said.

The selection has been divided into four, the East, Central, South and North parts of South Africa.

The East event has already taken place at the 2010 Pink Loerie in Knysna. The Central will take place in Durban at the Durban View Guest House on 24 July, with the South expected to be held in Cape Town at the Glen Boutique Hotel on 7 August. The North Gauteng’s date is yet to be confirmed.

According to Berry Voster, one of the pageant’s directors, each winner of the regionals will win a cruise on the MSN Sinfonia from 15-19 November, as well as a weekend away in Cape Town and Durban. They will also win gift vouchers from bone wear and many more prizes.”

With the success of last year’s winner, who even won thee Mr Gay World title, the organisers have promised a spectacular event open to “any out and proud gay man between the ages of 18 and 40.

“Considering that I was the only contestant of colour I didn’t feel left out at all and I was glad that I made it to the top 3. It was a great experience because I learnt a lot from other contestants and judges and they also learned from me”, Ignatius Mnisi, who was the 2nd runner up at the 2009 Mr Gay South Africa pageant said.

He added, “It took a lot of courage from me to enter the competition because it was perceived as a white pageant. I entered because we are living in a democratic country and I wanted to break the stereotype and show other gay men of colour that they can also take part in the Mr Gay SA, this is a rainbow nation.”

Encouraging other black gay man to enter the pageant Minisi said “Firstly you need to be comfortable with your sexuality because if you make it you will be an ambassador for the gay community and you must have knowledge about homosexual issues and latest news updates. This pageant is not only about how you look, it is more than that and you need to ensure that you have a healthy mind and body and in the pageant there are many opportunities that could enhance your modeling career and other talents you have.”

To enter, interested people can fill a form on www.mrgaysouthafrica.co.za.