The six men who have applied to be Mr Gay New Zealand The organisers of Mr Gay New Zealand have responded to concerns at least one of the contestants is actually straight, and possibly pulling the wool over their eyes, by saying there is no way to prove the candidates' sexuality. Six people have put themselves forward in the hopes of taking out the 2014 title, which will be handed out tomorrow night in a finale at Auckland's Legend Bar, after a day of competition at the Big Gay Out. One of the event's organisers Andy Derleth says there is no way to prove whether or not candidates are gay, bisexual, or otherwise. “It is not our place to dig into their personal encounters to categorise them in any way,” the former Mr Gay NZ and Mr Gay World says. “The contestants have the courage to step up and take the challenge to represent our community,” Derleth adds. “Who of them has what it takes will be seen in the challenges the candidates face, most importantly the interview with the judges that specifically focuses on whether or not the interviewee would be a suitable person to for the role.” Derleth says organisers respect anybody who has the goodwill and is brave enough to enter, “and not only face the competition, its challenges, subsequently do good for our community, invest his time and often own money for the advancement of gay rights and tolerance, but also has the strength to face tall-poppy syndrome and sideswipes form straight and gay people alike.” He says all the candidates are fine people who deserve support throughout the competition and afterwards. “Anybody is invited to meet and greet the contestants. We are looking forward to a great day tomorrow at Big Gay Out and afterwards at Legend Bar.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 8th February 2014 - 9:57pm