Thu 12 Apr 2012 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
His face may hurt from smiling so much, but Auckland’s Mr Gay World Andreas Derleth still can’t wipe the grin off his face after returning home laden with trophies. The 32-year-old was welcomed home by friends and his partner Tom Linn at Auckland International Airport last night, and told GayNZ.com “I am exhausted but I am very happy and proud. It’s nice to be back home and I am really, really proud to have brought this title back to New Zealand.” Derleth concedes winning the title has been a life changing experience, especially as his prize includes money to travel to all five continents. “I’m going to travel the world and try to make a bit of a difference. I’m really excited about that. And I’m really glad that I have so many good friends, because without support I’m nothing,” he says. “I’m really happy to see Tom, I really terribly missed him. He’s been helping me out from here.” Derleth says the stand out experience from South Africa was seeing so many people from so many different countries, and making friends from all over the world. “And honestly all of the people I met were just amazing and would have been worthy of winning this trophy,” he says. “And I learned a lot about our glbti community as well, so I’m really, really, really, really happy because it was the trip of a lifetime.” Mr Gay World Founder and Judge Eric Butter says judges look for someone who is a leader, genuine and an articulate spokesperson, who is passionate about glbt rights and is marketable. “Without a doubt Andy is all this,” he tells GayNZ.com. “We are very very happy with Andy, there is so much to DO!!!” Derleth had his first TV experience late this morning, appearing on TV One’s Good Morning programme at 11.50am. He shared his personal coming out story and spoke of his hopes for his time with the title. The response has been positive on Good Morning's Facebook page, with 'DebandKarl Shillingford' writing: "Yay you! What a great choice for an ambassador for gay rights and gay education.... Glad to hear NZ is more accepting of this. Sad other countries still have their heads in the sand :o(" It's understood the US Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner, who is gay, plans to write Derleth a letter of congratulations. Jacqui Stanford - 12th April 2012