19 year old Miguel Ortiz from Sevilla, Spain, has a big responsibility resting on his shoulders. Spain has previously won Mr Gay Europe twice!
In his statement the young man writes: “I want to defend and vindicate the rights of LGBT people and I think this could be the best platform to be heard loud and clear. There are still many countries and even on my own where some citizens are still discriminated and insulted just because of the fact of being gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual and that is intolerable. I want to fight with all my strength and as a young man trying to contribute in the struggle against homophobia. (…)
I would like to be Mr. Gay Europe 2012 because, although some people might think that being 19 years is synonymous of being immature, irresponsible, etc., it isn’t necessarily true. My age can help me to make aware younger gay community that the fact of being young and gay does not mean being immune to disease in their sexual life. It´s priority to make them know it is necessary to use protection in order to fight against HIV with all our energies.”
It looks like it is going to be a tough battle for the title this year in Rome. And by all means, if you are in or around Rome Saturday 11th August, please come and join us at Gay Village!