Mr Gay South Africa farewell address

Looking back at the past year, I will fondly remember it as one of the busiest but also the best years of my life so far. Many events have been memorable, every time I get a positive message from someone struggling with their sexuality on social networks my heart beams with pride, and when it’s not so positive it’s allowed me to facilitate help for them. These individuals are who I’ll remember most.

I had decided to enter the competition after working with LGBTI teens at a local high school. South African LGBTI youth are in desperate need of a positive role model. Too many young people resort to suicide and substance abuse because they believe that being homosexual is a social death sentence. The youth needed 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 felt that I could be that person - someone the youth could look up to and admire. I thought that if they could see that I could be a successful self-confident person, while being out and proud, they could realise that they could also be. I sincerely hope that I have achieved this goal this year.

Thank you all for the amazing support shown throughout the year!

Lance