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 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)