Mr. Gay World Changes Rules, Allows Trans Men to Compete

The annual Mr. Gay World beauty contest is shifting their rules in order to be more trans inclusive, and, for the first time, is open to anyone “using him and his pronouns and who collectively identifies as male (and gay).”

Organizers will also apply the policy globally to all its license-holders who hold country-level competitions.

The Star Observer reports that Chiyo Gomes, a trans man and drag king, made history in August when he became a finalist vying for the Mr. Gay England 2021 crown.

Gomes opened up about his participation in Mr. Gay World with the U.K.’s Attitude Magazine, when he was announced as a finalist last year.

“To be the first trans person to do anything, in 2020 feels somewhat uncomfortable. Trans men exist. Trans, gay men exist. Why has it taken so long for one to be platformed in this way? This time is about practicing finding comfort in being both exceptionally content and incredibly angry,” Gomes says.

Even though Mr. Gay World is inherently queer, the backlash Gomes faced shows just how much transphobia still exists within cis members of the community. He was subjected to a wave of hate and online abuse for his participation in the contest, mostly led by anti-trans groups, with the LGB Alliance tweeting a photo of Gomes with the caption, “Gay men deserve their own spaces.”

The pageant organizers came out in support of Gomes on Twitter, saying: “The Mr Gay England competition are PROUD to welcome any gay man to compete for one of our national titles. In regards to welcoming a trans man into our finals, if you are a trans man you ARE a man. Simples.”

The Mr Gay England cooperation are PROUD to welcome any gay man to compete for one of our national titles.
In regards to welcoming a trans man into our finals, if you are a trans man you ARE a man.
Simples. pic.twitter.com/Q9BCbR02MK

— Mr Gay England ????️‍???????????????????????????????? ????️‍⚧️ (@mrgayengland) September 17, 2020

The inclusion of Gomes ultimately set the stage for the contest to continue evolving, especially following a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They plan to hold both 2020 and 2021 pageants online over a four-week period later this month, livestreaming on YouTube and giving viewers the option to vote for their favorite contestants.

“The decision to host an online competition was not taken lightly, as core to the yearly event is the get together of all the delegates representing their countries in the pre-finale week that allows them to bring and share their worldwide experiences from their LGBTQI+ perspectives with each other,” organizers say. “The change in format will not demean the competition itself but will enhance the capability to include even more countries and allow viewers from across the globe to be involved.”

Photo courtesy of Chiyo Gomes on Instagram