Cape Town – South Africa’s very own, newly-crowned Mr Gay World shared the immense work that has already started, following his recent accolade.
Boksburg resident Louw Breytenbach, 32, was crowned Mr Gay World SA on May 26. On October 30, Breytenbach was then crowned Mr Gay World during a virtual event, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He is the director of the National Arts Association of South Africa and owner of LALT House of Growth, an educational theatre centre for community development through art.
Breytenbach is also an actor, television presenter and entrepreneur who is passionate about mental health issues affecting LGBTQIA+ people and uses his various platforms to advocate for the cause.
“The moment was one of awe and I was so proud to represent my country. As the only delegate from the African continent, I now also carry the entire continent as Mr Gay World, to strive for a more equal and diverse and inclusive society.
“There are 29 African countries where homosexuality is still criminalised, and I hope to be a driving force to combat this.
“Being crowned Mr Gay World provides a massive platform, and therefore, a greater responsibility to be a driving force for change,” said Breytenbach.
“I am already hard at work. It has been an exciting but hard two weeks as we are already in talks with Out&Proud Namibia to combat the recent rulings that criminalise based on sexuality.”
Breytenbach’s Gate of Hope charity is in full swing to raise awareness on mental health as well as his own non-profit organisation, Future Steps, which hopes to collect enough shoes and stationery for 1 500 children by January 2022.
* Additional reporting by Chad Williams