Oh yes, this is Giulio from back then! Giulio, Baz from Ireland and Christo from Sweden posing it to the max and having fun with the photographer during the swimwear photo session in Mr Gay Europe 2011.

MGE Vice President Giulio Spatola was once a delegate himself; in this article he gives away some friendly advice for the newcomers.

Hello everybody!

Mr Gay Europe is just around the corner, and after that, many of you are going to go on to Mr Gay World. Do you really know what MGE stands for? Do you know our policies, values and rules?

Mr Gay Europe is all about unity thru diversity. We want you to be you. But along the way and during the competition it might be a good thing to listen to someone who “has been there”. Sometimes it is not easy to have a total overview, so as a friendly gesture to you all – here is some advice that might come in handy in your run for Mr Gay Europe 2013.

YOU ARE IMPORTANT!
When you meet journalists or others that ask your opinion, take your time; let your brain work before you open your mouth. Be polite, use your charm, be yourself, but always remember that what you say is important for someone out there.

IT IS ALLOWED NOT TO KNOW
During the year as the title-holder – in case you win, sorry, when you win – you will get the attention from the media and a lot of other people. Be open and welcoming to everyone, and try to answer their questions as good as you can. But if you don’t know the answer or what to say it is totally fair to say just that. One phrase that can be useful in this case is “Can I get back to you on that, I don’t have an answer right now.” AND – whatever you do – GET BACK to the person you promised to contact!

BE PERSONAL – NOT PRIVATE
It’s really important to remember that you as a title-holder are representing all the young gay men of Europe. People love gossip and quite a few out there will be looking for juicy “news” about you on the internet, among your friends, and just about anywhere they can think of. It is a good rule to be personal, but not private with every Tom, Dick and Harry.

FACEBOOK
Make sure that all your information is under control before leaving for the competition. Stop publishing everything in public and start to use the privacy settings. This may seems too much but, believe me, this will save you from many unpleasant surprises. Regarding friendship requests, I suggest you create a fan-page – we will talk about it when we meet – where you can refer people you don’t want to add to your personal profile. About messages, it would be nice and polite to answer everyone if you are able to. It’s incredible how many people you can help by just giving them the attention they need or someone they can talk to. People will love you for just being there.

FRIENDS
It’s a good to have a lot of friends supporting you, and sometimes you might want to bring with you one of them as good company. Just remember that – in case someone is attacking you by speaking or writing bad things about you – no one, not even your best friend, should reply on your behalf. Please, for your and your friendships’ sake, make sure your friends are aware of this. It is mine and the President’s job to defend you, and you are in good hands.

BOYFRIENDS
If you have one – if two, good for you – trust me; prepare yourself and him too. Getting the attention from young gay guys from all over Europe is nice, but are you sure your boyfriend feel the same?
Jealousy and misunderstandings will be the enemies of your relationship. If you are in love with your boy, I suggest you to keep him involved in your new experiences. Be more patient than ever, and never let him feel like he’s your second choice: he’s not. Look at him as a good opportunity to spread your message of love to the others. He will be proud of you and happy for your new title. Moreover, and this is something I really feel as a personal mission, you both could always count on my advices and my help if you ask for it. MGE will never be a reason for the end of a love.

FAMILY
Just like your boyfriend, your parents and relatives are very important on your path of becoming Mr Gay Europe. As a role-model for all young gay men of Europe, at first, your mission is to spread a message of visibility, and to be an example of courage for all those who haven’t come out yet. Involving your family in this – if they agree, of course – would make your message stronger. Moreover, being part of MGE means being part of a big family. I challenge you to take on the task as a leader for all delegates, work with them, together you will be able to form a great team.

PEOPLE AROUND YOU
The title-holder is to represent a big part of the European LGBT community, but it could happen that someone will tell you “I don’t feel represented by you” or “I don’t need you”. Well, don’t let that upset you – it’s completely normal. No one, even the greatest king or politician, will ever get the full endorsement from everyone. Knowing that, go on with your work and focus on what you think is important. Most of the time this kind of feedback is just envy from people wanting to be you or to be in your position – and you should be happy for that. Some of them will write rude comments on your blog or on Facebook: you never reply to those. Anger will get to you at times, but remember points 1 and 4 of this list and let the President and I do our job.

IMAGE
This is about the impression of you and the image of the title you give out. According to point 3, privacy and common sense are both a must when it comes to MGE. Of course, everyone is free to represent themselves as they prefer, but as Mr Gay, you are called to some responsibility. For example, during the whole period of your assignment as Mr Gay the use of illegal drugs or taking part in any pornographic activity is not allowed. It is actually strictly prohibited. If you have been involved in things like this in the past, please tell us. Everyone makes mistakes, we are not the moral police, but we need to know.
I heartily recommend each of you to take care of your outside, though, a nice body is nothing without a working brain, and we aim to show people that being Mr Gay means something more; you’re not a politician, and you’re not a queen, but you are a role-model for good behaviour for everyone and an icon of a sober and proud gay visibility.

YOU AND MR GAY
This is the final point and probably the most important one. Sometimes things might escape your control and you might feel like your title is something more than it actually is. This could happen if you let it take over your life. Always remember to keep separated the two things: it’s you who wear the title, not the title who wears you. This is the reason that each title-holder is unique and different from the previous ones. So, my last and heartfelt advice is: Never forget who you are.

Love
Giulio

Director of Prague Pride, Mr Czeslaw Walek, is one of the judges representing the Czech LGBT community, in Mr Gay Europe 2013 this summer.

Ok, this is not a math test but you have to agree. Together we can do more and there is no room for rivalry.

This is our motto of the cooperation with Prague Pride that being organized in August for the third time. Unfortunately we were not able join Mr Gay Europe and Prague Pride in one big event but we can help each other. And how does it work?

The Prague Pride organization actively helps us with this year’s contest. Most of the European prides are taking place in June but Prague is going to be organized in August which gives them time to help us out.

They also got time to visit other prides throughout Europe and invite people to Prague. This year they are also inviting people to Prague for Mr Gay Europe! They will deliver our flyers and send an important message to the people: It is time to go to Prague this summer!

And Mr Gay Europe contest this July can say: Come to Prague in three weeks again – more fun will take place!

What else? Director of Prague Pride, Mr Czeslaw Walek, is also one of the judges representing the Czech LGBT community.

If you are coming for Prague Pride or Mr Gay Europe 2013 – or even both – Prague is the place to be this summer!

If you want you can pretend it’s deep and serious, like a case study on the interaction of modern gay men and straight men, but “I’m not Gay” is just a funny, catchy and sometimes sexy song that J Pee (Jesse Pepe) released a few weeks ago, you can even get it at iTunes. Smiling and drooling is totally ok! Enjoy!

The delegates of Mr Gay Europe will present fashion designer Jozef Sloboda´s best outfits in the romantic and fabulous Vrtbovska garden at the foot of the Prague castle.

To make our men even more beautiful for this evening they will be welcomed in newly opened beauty studio of amazing Tomáš Arsov in the middle of Prague, just a few steps away from both our official and partner hotels.

Arsov started his career a few years ago as a hairstylist and he became very popular due his talent and to the TV show “A few years younger”. After some years he decided to open his own studio.

– Our looks affects our self-confidence. If you feel satisfied with yourself your day is better and easier, Mr Arsov says.

– Isn’t that a bit superficial?

– No, I am not superficial at all. Everyone wants to look good, Arsov smiles.

The day of beauty will start in Tomas Arsov beauty and hair institute, he and his team will do everything for the delegates to make them look smashing with new haircut and shiny and happy faces.

Here is the official program for Mr Gay Europe 2013.

Monday 1 July
Online voting opens

Monday 22 July
Deadline practical tasks

Friday 26 July

16:00 Hotel check-in

17:30 Welcome meeting

19:00 Dinner

20:30 Press conference

22:30 Welcome party and talent show

Saturday 27 July

8:00 Breakfast

10:00 Interviews and official photo shooting

13:00 Lunch

14:00 Guided tour de Prague

19:00 Dinner

21:00 Official OMG party

Sunday 28 July

08:00 Breakfast and Art project

11:00 Written test

12:00 Lunch

14:00 Getting ready for fashion show

15:00 Reahearsals

20:30 Vrtbovska Garden Fashion Show

22:00 TBC

Monday 29 July

08:00 Breakfast

10:00 Training

12:00 Lunch

13:00 Sporty Afternoon/Sport Challenge/Photo session

19:00 Dinner and meet the choreographer

20:30 Rehearsals

Tuesday 30 July

08:00 Breakfast

11:00 Rehearsals

13:00 Lunch

14:00 Rehearsals

18:00 Online voting closes

19:00 Grand finale

21:00 MGE2013 Press Conference

21:00 MGE After-party

Wednesday 31 July

08:00 Farwell breakfast

Check-out of hotel and travel to Belgium

PLEASE note that the program is subject to change on short notice

Miguel Ortiz, Mr Gay Europe 2013

Important information to members of the media

Mr Gay Europe and Mr Gay World back to back this summer – and we all finish at 3rd World OutGames!

This summer the 8th Mr Gay Europe Grand Finale takes place in the beautiful city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Since the Mr Gay World competition takes place in Europe this year, we go back to back and this is going to be the biggest Mr Gay event ever!

Mr Gay Europe starts Friday 26 July and the Grand Finale takes place Tuesday 30 July. The day after we all go to Antwerp, Belgium, for the 5th annual Mr Gay World competition.

Last year Rome and her Gay Village gave us a wonderful experience with “Pride and Party”, and this year Prague promises days of “Pride and Style”.

20 delegates from all over Europe will come to Prague to compete for the title Mr Gay Europe 2013, and as always we will have a special program for journalists, photographers and bloggers.

ACCREDDITION
If you want accreditation for the Mr Gay Europe Grand Finale or any of the MGE activities and competitions during the event, please go to THIS LINK and sign on.

ACCOMODATION
If you are looking for accommodation and what to stay at the same hotel as the delegates, please go to THIS LINK, chose “Select Dates” and use the campaign code MRGAY, this will give you 15 percent of the standard prices.

PHOTOS
Our photo service at Flickr ensures you access to all the official photos that can be used free of charge as long as mrgayeurope.com is credited.

PRESS OFFICE
At mrgayeurope.com we have a special section for the press where you find the latest press releases, updates and more.

USEFUL ADDRESSESS

www.mrgayeurope.com

Flickr Mr Gay Europe 

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Mr Gay Europe Media Contact Form

UNITY THROUGH DIVERCITY * MR GAY EUROPE

Yours Sincerely

Tore Aasheim, 
President MGE

Giulio Spatola, 
Vice President MGE

Mr Brian Merriman and Mr Gay Ireland 2012 Robbie Obara.

Brian Merriman, the producer of Mr Gay Ireland and Mr Gay Northern Ireland and founder of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, has been with Mr Gay Europe since the day we stumbled onto the European stage eight years ago in 2005. Merriman, a key supporter of the Mr Gay Europe organization, has written a book celebrating International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival’s 10 year history.

“Wilde Stages in Dublin: A Decade of Gay Theatre,” chronicles Merriman’s life in 1960s Ireland and the evolution of gay rights within the country.

The book’s title refers to gay playwright Oscar Wilde, who was born in Dublin in 1854. In the book Merriman discusses the influences and events leading to him founding the biggest gay theater event in the world. He also discusses religion’s view of gay rights in Irish society.

The book was officially launched 1st May in Dublin, and should soon be available in most bookstores. Merriman has been invited to host a reading from his book during Mr Gay Europe 2013 in Prague.

This year the delegates have to show their talents from an artistic point of view. They all have to work around the theme «My Gay Family».

Mr Gay Europe consists of 12 different competitions that add up to a final score that determine who will be the last man standing. The competitions are everything from the preliminary interview to the onstage performance of the night of the final. There are also quite a few practical tasks to undertake. One of them is the artistic challenge.

This is the artistic challenge
The delegate is to create an image; a painting, a photo, a drawing, an illustration or a picture that is seeking to show the delegate’s idea of the concept/idea «MY GAY FAMILY». The size of the image has to be A3 (297 width × 420 height mm), but apart from that the delegate is free to choose any type of material and any type of motive. The delegate has to bring the contribution with him to Prague where it will be displayed in front of an audience.

The jury will be looking for creativity, ability to communicate a message and artistic quality.

Do you want to show us your idea of the gay family?

Show us and the rest of Europe what you feel is your gay family and you can win cool prizes! Send us your image in an email in JPG format, 2400 x 1600 pixels, at least 150 dpi. You need to send us your image before 20 July.

Send you image to info@mrgayeurope.com

And what about the apple? Well, stay tuned and get updated!

New Zealand’s politician Maurice Williamson really put things into perspective with this speech in the New Zealand parliament.

Coming from someone who most people would think would be against same sex marriage, Mr Williamson shows us once again not to judge a book by its cover.

For that, and this incredible speech we thank you Mr Williamson.

Mr Gay Finland 2012 Janne Tiilikainen (c) Mr Gay Finland

Finland remains the only Nordic country where a marriage between same-sex couples is not allowed.

In late February 2013, Judiciary Committee of the Finnish Parliament rejected a proposal for an equal marriage act. The proposal was voted down by votes 9 – 8.

On the 19th of March a campaign called ‘Tahdon2013’ (Tahdon is Finnish for “I do”) started. The main purpose of the campaign is to collect as many signatures as possible from Finnish citizens for a citizens’ initiative.

The initiative will be presented to the Finnish Parliament at latest in the end of September. The campaign has been created, planned and implemented originally by a group of friends, who wanted to take an initiative for an equal marriage act.

In order to be able to submit the initiative to the Parliament, the initiative has to have at least 50 000 supporters. The very first day, when the collecting of the supporters started, more than 100 000 people signed the initiative in support of the equal marriage act! As this article is being published almost 150 000 peole have signed the initiative.

Already at this stage it is guaranteed that the initiative will make its way to the Parliament. Even if there are already more signatures than needed, the organizers hope to have at least 250 000 supporters for the initiative, before they submit it to the Parliament. What happens after that remains to be seen; we wish the very best of luck for our brothers and sisters in Finland.

More information about the Tahdon2013 campaign

1 of 10 Argentinians is gay. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5….