News
2005-10-11
Palm Springs,
Calif., hosts first Mr. Gay International contest
A San Diego man
has won the first Mr. Gay International and Mr. Gay 2006
USA titles, beating out 11 other finalists
A San Diego man
has won the first Mr. Gay International and Mr. Gay 2006
USA titles, beating out 11 other finalists in a pageant that
featured rock-climbing and rappelling, a timed
firefighter's obstacle course, talents ranging from
poetry reading to gymnastics, and a swimsuit competition.
Jesse Bashem, a 21-year-old gymnastics teacher
and surfer, was awarded the titles Saturday night at
the Riviera Resort.
"Competitions such as these have been popular in
Europe for years, and we're thrilled to now have a
U.S.-based component looking for the 'boy next door'
to represent the broader gay community," said Don
Spradlin, the event's producer.
The international title came down to a
tiebreaker between Bashem—who had already
captured the USA title—and Mr. Austria, Aaron Michael
Jackson, 32. A delay ensued when the judges consulted
with one another, leaving the dozen finalists
standing—clad only in swimsuits—in front of
more than 400 people. At the suggestion of one of the
contestants, they danced to raise money for charity,
and in less than five minutes had hauled in $500 for
the Trevor Project, which operates a suicide prevention
hotline for gay teens. For winning the titles, Bashem
received two airline tickets, a modeling contract, a
wardrobe, photo shoots, and an acting lesson.
Contestants for the pageant came from as far
away as Bosnia and Herzegovina and included the
reigning Mr. Gay Europe 2005, David Thorkildsen of
Norway. Judges included Palm Springs mayor Ron Oden,
California assemblyman Mark Leno, real estate developer
Scott Unger, and independent film director Dirk
Shafer. (AP)
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