In one word, this describes the Grand Finale of Mr Gay World 2011. The humour was broad and earthy, the proceedings were peppered with comic skits and short turns - even a sexy, drag striptease - and the show was thoroughly entertaining. Trust the Philippines to come up with a gay pageant to end all gay pageants.
Let's rate different units of the show on a scale of 5.
Candidates: 3/5
2011 displayed a marked improvement in overall quality compared to previous years. In fact, as I mentioned in a previous post, the pool is deep enough this year such that some early favourites inadvertently missed the cut. The quality will only keep getting better as the years go by and the national pageants also get better and better with mounting their respective heats. What I would like to see now is more consistency with countries that send delegates - that they should do so yearly, so that the number of countries represented also keep increasing. We will only have a true Mr Gay World if he, indeed, has been elected amongst delegates from around the world, and not just from amongst a handful. The work ahead is tough, but I believe that the workers are tougher! We will get there.
Judges: 3/5
It was a true international panel that was represented with heavyweight gay media impresarios, a former Miss Universe, beauty experts, the reigning Mr Gay World, and MGW's President. In the coming years, the panel would benefit even more from greater "mainstream" representation. The gay community doesn't exist in a bubble. It's always delightful when we're able to bring in "marquee" names that will further influence mainstream opinion of what MGW is and what our advocacy is all about.
Production: 4/5
Manila put up a PROFESSIONAL show, replete with live red carpet feeds, giant projectors, an LED screen that split down the midde, hydraulics, the works. The hosts were competent and entertaining and most of the intermission numbers were truly world class. My one quibble is the length of the show. The pacing could have been a lot more brisk so that only the most important bits were retained.
Advocacy: 5/5
If anyone had a shadow of doubt as to how "legit" the MGW advocacy is, one need only attend the delegate briefings, follow the trip to Gawad Kalinga, sit in at the closed-door panel interview, and listen to the questions thrown by the judges at the Grand Finale, which demanded a high level of engagement. This is as real as "World Peace" gets, kids.
Winner: 5/5
South Africa's Francois Nel won fair and square. He was a steady and strong competitor, and I have no doubt that he will be capable ambassador of the gay community. Here, finally, is a proud gay man who looks good, speaks well, and has the heart for the community.
And so, to the entire team of MGW - a big, giant CONGRATULATIONS.
Hong Kong is happy and proud to be a part of this big family. MGW was an immense learning experience for us, and a true eye-opener to what else is being done to advance gay causes around the world. We look forward to the future editions, and to showing the rest of world what a fun and fabulous place for homos Hong Kong is. Pehaps in 10 years' time, it'll be our turn to host?
Perhaps...
Perhaps.
With Affection,
James
No comments:
Post a Comment