The search for Mr Gay Hong Hong 2013 is underway with five finalists who will be competing onstage at the Grand Finale on 19 October at Armani Privé in Hong Kong.

The Mr Gay Hong Kong finalists and top model Helena Chan.

As in previous years, the winner will be an ambassador of a pre-selected LGBT cause or charity. This year's winner will also be the Red Ribbon Ambassador and work closely with AIDS Concern of Hong Kong to raise awareness about HIV prevention and promote safer sex in the community.

Organisers of the contest is quick to emphasise that it's more than a beauty contest. Now in its fifth year, previous winners have become spokespersons for anti-bullying campaigns in schools, appeared at fundraisers and participated in various community projects such as the I am Me campaign.

"Good looks can buy you your first five seconds onstage, the proverbial foot through the door, but we look beyond that in a winner. Mr Gay Hong Kong must be articulate, presentable, fit and charismatic. He should be someone with the ability to charm a crowd and win people over to support his causes. It is the positive attitude that matters in the end," organisers said in a statement.

Current title holder Benjie Caraig, a Filipino-born resident of Jordan (佐敦), Yau Tsim Mong District, was the first runner-up at Mr Gay World 2013 held in Antwerp, Belgium in August this year. Aside from  Hong Kong, other Asian countries that were represented include India, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines and Taiwan.

The winner of this year's competition will go on to represent  Hong Kong at Mr Gay World 2014 in Rome, Italy.

Online Voting for Mr Gay Hong Kong 2013 (mrgayhongkong.com poll combined with YouTube Views) constitutes 15% of the candidates’ final score. Voting will end on 19 October 2013, Saturday at 6pm – an hour before the doors to the Grand Finale open.

Edward Chao

Tommy Leung

"Hi everyone, I'm Tommy. I'm a dancer and performer. I've joined Mr Gay Hong Kong because I want to add to the voice of the community and show that we're just like everyone else so society shouldn't view the community through coloured lenses, and of course to achieve world peace. Vote for me!"

Anthony Pura

Ernest Kam

"Hi my name is Ernest. The reason for joining the Mr Gay Hong Kong contest is to learn more things and get to know more friends. We can eliminate society's discrimination (of LGBT people). I hope you'll vote for me."

Michael Morrill

To view more photos and to vote, click here.