Louw Breytenbach, the newly crowned Mr Gay World South Africa 2021 from Boksburg, is already hard at work to hold fly his country’s flag at the Mr Gay World pageant, which takes place September 18 to 25.
The 31-year-old took the title of Mr Gay World SA at the Galleria Conference and Events Venue in Sandton on May 21.
Breytenbach said he was excited and honoured to represent his country.
He also joined forces with the new Mr World South Africa 2021 and Getroud Met Rugby actor Sean van Noordwyk, who will represent South Africa in the Mr World 2021 competition.
Mr Gay World and Mr World work under the same banner of United with a Purpose that promotes equality and shows that men can work together regardless of race, religion or creed.
“Sean is one of my best friends, and now we’re preparing for our respective competitions together. We’re mostly working on fitness, community work and cultural sensitivity training.
“The wonderful thing about this competition is that it is not only based on looks but what you do for your community,” said Breytenbach.
“Because we are still in a pandemic and everything is uncertain, the pageant will either take place in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or virtually.
“Covid-19 will perhaps force organisers to hold it virtually as the other 16 titleholders will need to come to South Africa from their respective countries.
“If they’re going to hold it virtually, it means cameras will need to follow the competitors around and film them while they complete the activities. I guess if the world can do everything on Zoom, Mr Gay World can do it too,” he added.
Breytenbach believes he will be ready for the pageant when the time arrives.
Mental Health
Mr Gay World SA previously said he entered the competition to raise mental health awareness, adding that his new platform will allow him the opportunity to draw attention to mental health.
According to Breytenbach, statistics show members of the LGBTIQA+ community are two times more likely to take their own lives.
“At LALT, we strive to make people aware of the importance of mental health. We recently started our annual Gate of Hope project for 2021,” he said.
To take part in this year’s mental health awareness, community members are encouraged to tie a green ribbon on the gate of the theatre house located at 20 Bartlett Road in Beyers Park. The public can also tie a gold ribbon to honour those lost to suicide. The campaign will run until the end of October.
For more information on the awareness campaign, members of the public can contact Breytenbach by email at louwbreytenbach@gmail.com.
Also Read: Louw Breytenbach vies for Mr Gay World South Africa title
Also Read: Louw Breytenbach crowned Mr Gay World SA 2021
