Puerto Rico's Jos Lopez crowned Mr Gay World 2022 [photos]

Puerto Rico's Jos Lopez crowned Mr Gay World 2022 [photos]Peurto Rico's Jos Lopez was crowned Mr Gay World 2022 at the LGBTQI pageant in Cape Town on 15 October. Take a look at some highlights.

by Naledi de Wee

16-10-2022 12:37

in LGBTQIA

Puerto Rico's Jos Lopez won the Mr Gay World 2022 crown. Images via Twitter @joselo2890

The Mr Gay World pageant took place at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town, Western Cape on Saturday 15 October. This marked the seventh time that the pageant was hosted in South Africa. Although Shanon Kannigan represented Mzansi on the global stage, it was Puerto Rico's Jos Lopez who walked away as Mr Gay World 2022.

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ALSO READ: Mr Gay World 2022: Shanon Kannigan to represent South Africa!

PUERTO RICO'S JOS LOPEZ WINS MR GAY WORLD 2022 The Mr Gay World 2022 pageant kicked off on Sunday 9 October and wrapped up with the finale on Saturday 15 October. The contestants from all around the world took part in media interviews, photoshoots, charity drives, presentations and more.

According to MambaOnline, Lopez was already a fan-favourite after winning Best Social Media Presence, Best in National Costume, Best Sports Challenge, Best in Swimwear and Best in Formal Wear.

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The publication also reports that the 32-year-old fell to his knees after being announced as the winner.

Mr Gay World 2022 swimwear winner is Puerto Rico @joselo2890 #mrgayworld2022 #mrgayworld #lgbtqia #inclusion #artscape pic.twitter.com/ai280dk5Mg

Mr Gay World #mrgayworld #mgw (@mgworg) October 15, 2022

JOS LOPEZ'S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CAMPAIGN The Puerto Rican's social responsibility campaign is centred around body dysmorphia. Lopez explained that former South African president Nelson Mandela inspired him to make a difference.

I suffered a lot of discrimination from being obese and because of problems in being able to communicate properly. At some point, I considered ending my life but I carried on with the great love my mother gave me, he explained to the judges.

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He added that becoming Mr Gay World 2022 would help him use the platform to communicate a powerful message .

ALSO READ: Pride Month: Tshwane unveils Mzansi's first rainbow crossing [pics]

AN EVENING OF FIRSTS AT MR GAY WORLD Following his spectacular win, Lopez made history as the first contestant from the Americas to win the Mr Gay World pageant. Tony Ardolino was crowned the Mr Gay World first runner-up.

Germany's Max Appenroth was the second runner-up of the evening and made history as the first transgender person to be a Mr Gay World finalist.

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LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/lgbtqia/mr-gay-world-jose-lope...
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