Today is the last day in 2016, so I wanted to share some last words in 2016.
I am ending 2016 with many different feelings and having a fresh, motivated and hard working start in 2017.
2016 was a year where many things changed for me. I became Mr Gay Belgium in May, became Mr Gay Europe in August and won the OUTtv Media Personality Award in October. Coming from a job in education, this was this a big change. But with a big heart for the LGBT community and wanting to make a difference, I found myself even more motivated to go for what I wanted.
As for me, 2016 couldn’t be any better. But for the world also a lot has changed. I feel like 2016 wasn’t a year to be completely proud of for many things. Shootings in Orlando, ISIS and terrorism, Trump as president of The United States; are actually the first things that come to mind when I think about 2016 and what I saw in the media.
I wish for 2017 we can spread a message of love instead of hate. We only have 1 world and are all from flesh and blood. We should unite and help each other to make this world, our world, a better place for everyone.
Happy 2017 everyone. Enjoy this new year to the fullest and may all your wishes come true.
Mr Gay Europe 2016,
Raf