The event was announced by the Mr Gay Universe Trust, which described the event as a “global competition that celebrates LGBTQIA+ pride, culture, and equality.”
The annual contest aims to elevate the visibility of gay men worldwide, empowering them to be role models and change-makers in their communities.
India to Host Inaugural Event
The very first Mr Gay Universe is set to take place in India in October 2025. The event will place a strong emphasis on HIV awareness and mental health, tackling stigma and advocating for holistic well-being within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The organisers said in a statement that the timing couldn’t be more crucial, as a rising wave of conservatism threatens the rights of LGBTQIA+ people across the globe.
“The launch of Mr Gay Universe marks a bold step forward in our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and empowered LGBTQIA+ community,” said the Mr Gay Universe Trust Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to bring this new platform to life and look forward to the incredible opportunities it will create for visibility, representation and advocacy.”
The Mr Gay Universe brand was registered in 2018 and officially trademarked soon after. The event will bring together national representatives from across the world, competing in talent showcases, interviews, and fashion segments while championing causes that matter to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Focus on Advocacy, Leadership and Community Service
Open to individuals who identify as male and gay, the contestants will be judged not only on their appearance but also on their charisma, intelligence, and social awareness. A strong focus is placed on advocacy, leadership, and community service, ensuring that Mr Gay Universe winners use their platform to drive change.
The Mr Gay Universe Trust is led by a diverse board of directors from Chile, India, South Africa, and Thailand. The trust said that their collective expertise spans law, human rights, and healthcare, ensuring strong leadership and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Franchise opportunities will be available, allowing national representatives to host their own competitions to select delegates to participate in the annual international event.
Transparency and Leadership
The Trust also announced the names of the Mr Gay Universe Board of Directors in what it said was an effort to ensure transparency in its leadership.
- Brand and Trademark Owners: Mr Gay Universe Trust* and Mr Gay World (PTY) Ltd*
- Non-Executive President: Mr Coenraad Kukkuk (Coenraad Kukkuk Attorneys Inc.)
- Chairperson of Board of Directors: Mr Pablo Salvador* (Mr Gay Chile)
- Vice Chairperson of Board of Directors: Mr Sriram Sridhar* (Ram) (Mr Gay India)
- Chairperson of Board of Mental Health and HIV Activism: Mr Nikorn Chimkong* (Bangkok Rainbow Organization and Mr Gay Thailand)
- Advisory Chairperson of Board for Community Events: Mr Poomipan Aiumporames* (Mr Gay Thailand)
- Chairperson of Board of HIV Activism: Mr Samuel Konnur* (Founder & CEO – Mist LGBTQ Foundation)
- Chairperson of Board of Human Rights: Dr Igor Scheurkogel* (Igor Scheurkogel Foundation – Mr Gay South Africa and Mr Gay Taiwan)
- Non-executive Board of Directors: Franchise Holders
- Chairperson of Board of Non-Executive Directors: Dr Igor Scheurkogel*
- Vice-Chairperson of Board of Non-Executive Directors: Mr Nikorn Chimkong*
- LGBTQIA+ Advisory Attorneys: Coenraad Kukkuk Attorneys Inc.
*Executive Directors
For Mr Gay Universe updates and announcements, visit the official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
