Mr Gay World Thailand 2023: A stage for diverse identities

Mr Gay World Thailand 2023, a stage for diverse identities

A place to declare your pride in yourself-for the first step of a social campaign

On May 13, Bangkok Rainbow organized the Mr. Gay World Thailand 2023 competition, the 5th competition after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the competition is to create “social campaigners” who present issues related to LGBTQ+ people in various dimensions, including inequality, bullying, and the need to push for laws to protect their rights. Previously, on May 6, there was a social campaign competition, which required a practical design and the campaign presenter must have the potential to do it.

One interesting thing that was shown in the social campaign round this year was that many contestants, both those in and those who used to be in the education sector, presented projects on “educational management” to create a curriculum that increases understanding of gender diversity, builds respect for identity and appropriate behavior towards LGBTQ+ children, both in terms of teachers and fellow students, because they believe that the most important foundation for solving problems is to provide knowledge, create the right attitudes, before leading to action, in order to create a society that is free from gender discrimination in the future.

In addition to the education campaign, there are many other interesting campaigns, such as the gathering of LGBTQ+ people who are about to enter their senior years to help each other or come together to create happiness. The focus on the mental health issues of LGBTQ people and the safe space for counseling, as well as the campaign on sexual orientation, which comes from the experiences and interests of all contestants. If given the opportunity, they are ready to push forward their own campaigns.

Mr. Nikorn Chimkong, Director of Bangkok Rainbow Organization (BRO), said that the Mr. Gay World Thailand contest is not as focused on beauty identity as the need to campaign and drive social movements. Therefore, it is an opportunity for these determined people to speak and take action. This is the main idea of ​​establishing the world stage about 14 years ago. The contestants will be very diverse. We provide open opportunities. For example, the age range is wide, from 18 to 50 years old, including the disabled. The winner of the Thai stage will have to compete in the world stage from October 23 to 29 in Cape Town, South Africa. What we expect is to gain experience from contestants in many countries, exchange experiences of Thailand, and apply them to develop the quality of life of LGBTQ people.

Mr. Nikorn continued that this year is the first year that the crown will be given to the winner, which is The Power Of Gender Equality Crown, designed and produced by Peony by Ingkhawat. It is a golden crown. There is a solidity and a space of gentleness. It consists of a variety of beautifully alternating G symbols. The crown is decorated with blue gems, representing power and strength. Surrounded by sparkling diamonds, a total of 969 pieces.

The competition will award sashes to the winners in each round, including:

– Best National Costume

The winner is Dan – Karanyaphas Setthabulakorn

– Best Swimwear, Best Personality

The winner is Takhop – Tindaranpop Klanprasit

– Best Formal Wear, Best Suit

The winner is Kan – Kan Kulathaphinya

– Best Social Campaign, Best Social Campaign

The winner is Kan – Kan Kulathaphinya

– Popular Vote, People's Favorite

The winner is Tum – Wuttichai Chaikom

And for the 5 important positions, they are:

– Mr. Gay World Thailand 2023 is Team – Nazmadee Mati Team Noojun

1st Runner Up, First Runner Up, Mr. Gay World Thailand 2023 is Kan – Kan Kulathaphinya

2nd Runner Up, Second Runner Up, Mr. Gay World Thailand 2023 is Nat – Krapat Wikromwongsa

3rd Runner Up Third runner up Mr. Gay World Thailand 2023 is Oat – Rangsit Mekharakphinyo

4th Runner Up Fourth runner up Mr. Gay World Thailand 2023 is Art – Supa-at Satyathewa

For more information, please contact Mr. Nikorn Chimkong, Tel. 089-039-1918