Mr Gay South Africa Statement

As some of you know, I was crowned Mr Gay South Africa at the Lyric Theater at Gold Reef City on Saturday night. Thank you to the South African LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex ) community for choosing me to represent you as Mr Gay South Africa! I am filled with enthusiasm for the year ahead and hope that with your support I can make a big difference in the lives of LGBTI people in South Africa.

I believe that Mr Gay South Africa should be a role model to South African LGBTI youth. Too many young people resort to suicide and substance abuse because they believe that being homosexual is a social death sentence. The youth need suitable role-models to look up to, who they can be proud of, and who can help them come to terms with their sexual orientation without fear. I will endeavour to be this person - someone the youth can look up to and admire. If the youth can see that I can be a successful self-confident person they can realise that can also be.

South Africa is widely regarded to have the most progressive constitution in the world, with a Bill of Rights second to none. This legislation has helped to bring about tolerance towards the LGBTI community in South Africa. I’d like to see this tolerance turned into acceptance.

Once again, thanks to everyone for all their support! I hope that the next year proves to be very productive!

Lance Weyer, Mr Gay South Africa 2011