A new page was opened in Hong Kong’s gay history with the staging of the first ever Mr Gay Hong Kong pageant at the Lan Kwai Fong Bar on Saturday 28 November. Before a packed audience of several hundred, six out-and-proud young men competed for the title which will carry one of them forward to the worldwide competition in Oslo and the role of an international spokesman for Hong Kong’s gay community.
It was an exciting night and a great beginning to what will become, it is intended, a regular fixture in Hong Kong’s calendar. The bar was crowded, the décor glitzy, the music pounding and the show fast paced. It was hosted with pizzazz by RTHK’s Brian Leung (of We Are Family and Gaystation Hong Kong fame, amongst much else) and Colette Koo, founder and Managing Director of Hong Kong’s FINDS restaurant and Drop Bar, and, according to Brian, ‘fag hag of all fag hags’. There were videos of the six boys strutting their stuff in the local bars and Ms Chiquita put in her usual raunchy appearance, announcing that she, Hong Kong’s only non-lip synching drag diva with a CD issued to her name, would be putting the proceeds of the night towards her new eyelashes.
Mr Gay Hong Kong: 30-year-old American dancer Rick Twombley.
All six candidates showed their wares in swim, sports and formal wear and answered questions in front of the lively crowd. The impresarios behind the event, Noel Furrer and James Gannaban, had assembled a panel of judges from Hong Kong’s gay great, good and not-so-good: Barney Cheng, the designer; Paul Hicks, PR guru and proprietor of Grebstad Hicks; Johannes Pong of Hong Kong Magazine; Francis Lo the modelling king and the ubiquitous Colette Koo. They probed the candidate’s psyches with embarrassing, leading and innuendo-full questions; Johannes, for one, coming out from under his trademark hat to ask his candidate who he saw when he looked in the mirror. This was a competition for the guy with not just brawn but some brains, the presence of mind to demonstrate both and the charm to get away with it.
The panel members weren’t the only judges of the day, for the public got the chance to vote for their man online and again by hand on the night (as with Hong Kong’s functional constituency system, you got two votes if you were able to buy a ticket).
Four of the brave guys who entered were Hong Kong Chinese: 28-year-old Joe Leung, an officer with AIDS Concern; Jason Tang, aged 31, just back to Hong Kong from Toronto; Billy Leung, the 25-year-old hero of the court case that brought Hong Kong’s gay age of consent down to 18 and an officer of Amnesty International; and Gilbert Cheng, 30 years of age and working in the hospitality industry. One candidate was Filipino, charismatic interior designer, 38-year-old Ziggy Bautista. The winner, in something of a cultural upset, proved to be candidate number six, 30-year-old American dancer Rick Twombley, who was born in Pittsburgh and bred in Grand Island, Nebraska, real farm country. He’s been in Hong Kong since 2005 working as a dancer (he’s skilled in both classical and modern dance), singer and acrobat, and his great stage presence helped him carry the day.
Rick Twombley with David Bosley, the reigning Mr Gay Philippines.
As did his great charm, as was evident when Rick turned to the audience for help with his final question, deferring to his boyfriend, who was sitting close by, as to whether they would bring up a child. From their joint positive answer to that question, it looks like the new Mr Gay Hong Kong and his partner may one day add parenthood to the responsibilities the title will bring Rick. This being the first of the Mr Gay series here, these are yet to be defined.
Organiser James Gannaban told me that “Noel and I are still in the process of structuring a year-long tenure for the titleholder. The title, itself, is a platform for the man who wins it, and so Rick will be instrumental in setting precedents in every way.”
Rick himself told me his views of his role: “As Mr Gay Hong Kong, I will represent the cultural diversity that makes Hong Kong a truly unique and vibrant city. I will also act as an international voice for equality, promote openness, and change the perception that to be gay is to be different.”
Whatever the issues which will engage Rick, he’ll definitely be representing Hong Kong in Oslo in February next year, and we can look forward to seeing a good deal more of his handsome face and notable style in Hong Kong’s media over the coming year.
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Reader's Comments
to draw the first line in gay history in HK, guess it will encourage more to take part in the next pageant...
let's wait and see...
he should have...ah, nevermind.
Ziggy is hot, period! hehehe
Brave-new-world!
Not Miss America!
The organizers must be really desperate to fill up the stage!
anyone who has a thing to say shall participate the next yr's competition~
that's that~
How does an American qualify for a "Mr. Hong Kong" contest in the first place? Does he hold a Hong Kong I.D./Passport? Is he 1/2 Asian? Well, Post #11 put it well: "what's done is done". Question is, should it be done again?? No questions, it certainly does demand a certain type of "bravery" to participate in such an affair....
This article sucks!
Ziggy is hot, I had the pleasure of meeting him in Shanghai some years ago, he is a generous host and definately a winner!
Mr Gay Hong Kong should be a native of HK, Mr Gay America should be a native from America, I'm just proud that we are able to hold these events across the world and look forward to my visit to HK in Feb 2010, so I can see the gay scene there for my self.
Hopefully with a bigger budget next year, they can get more contestants.
Whatever pageant, there will be controversies.
but definitely not a right person to take up the mr hk award!! he is not asian either how can he representing an asian plus he isnt that hot too...
haha i saw hotter asians in the news!!! lol
drool
funny
he know speaking cantonese?
or becoz he live in HK?
or just a visitor?
haha
funny
the 2nd guy name call jason is much better than him
god
Obama did win, didnt he ?
good day now ... xoxoxo
It doesn't matter where a person is born or his race.
To represent HK at an international level,
that person MUST BE AT LEAST:
have a GREAT knowledge of HK & it's culture, spoken language and holder of a permanent HKID.
gees that HONG KONG should change its name to AMERICA then ???
of course its weird
im sure there are plenty nice good looking fit asian (born and raised in HOng Kong ) should be the MR GAY HONG KONG
i bet he doesn't even love hk and it's people as much as i do~
And that would be really vomiting if the survey is correct in Mr. floor 15's post!
all that should qualify him is whether he is a citizen/PR of HK period.
(1) The event was organized by and for English speakers, a language that has a vocabulary and culture of massively demeaning East Asians;
(2) The event is organized toward the goal of sending someone to the Mr. Gay World finals, an event also conducted in English, and thus also carrying the same set of barriers towards Asians;
(3) The event was NOT conducted in Cantonese, thus excluding I don't know how many possible candidates;
(4) Judging from how the event was conducted in English, I'm assuming that the contest was not grassroots at all; instead, it was more ... foreign in nature (to put it politely).
I think it goes without saying, then, that the event was likely judged based on principles conducive to English-speaking cultures, not Cantonese-speaking cultures (i.e., not according to Hong Kong culture). The problem going on in Hong Kong is probably similar to the one in Singapore where both cultures are adopting English more, but in the same process are exoticizing themselves on the official level (Singapore advertises itself to tourists as an "exotic" location with "exotic" food ... a word I don't exactly hear being used for any Western destinations). The situation with the Hong Kong ID cards was also probably complicated by how Hong Kong is a SAR, as well as how Hong Kong was never an autonomous political system (it was a British colony beforehand), but I can't say for sure because I'm unfamiliar with the ID system.
Personally, though, I think it was a huge mistake on the part of the organizers: Man Asia Productions (i.e., James Gannaban and Noel Furrer). They are apparently very disconnected from Hong Kong culture and from what it means to be "from Hong Kong."
As for #44, I don't think he has ANY idea of the history of white-Asian relations. If someone insults, harasses and disrespects you, who should be first to apologize and make amends? Who should be first to show themselves genuinely trustworthy?
Qualifications for Mr. Gay Hong Kong
- Valid Hong Kong ID Card
- Good command of spoken and written English is an asset. The winner of Mr. Gay Hong Kong will compete in The Mr. Gay World Pageant, which will be conducted in English
- Must be 21-40 years old
- Minimum height requirement of 5’7” or 170cm
- No previous criminal record
- Is eligible for travel to Oslo, Norway for the Mr. Gay World finals in February 2010
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-gb%3AIE-ContextMenu&rlz=1I7DKUK&q=Rick+Twombley+born&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
And anyone who gets duped into wasting time and money on next year's MR. HONG KONG contest is a dope. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on ME!
I know for a fact they had almost 20 contestants at one stage, most of them locals. But when it came to crunch time and the publicity photo etc stage kicked in, almost all the local boys dropped out. For the most part, they just simply weren't ready to become public figures and allow their images shown in the press. The locals here, it appears, are still afraid of their sexual identity, or at least how others perceive theirs. If this was not the case, more would have entered.
Mr Gay HK btw, got blanket coverage in the Western Press here. And yes, a disappointing shortcoming was lack of local Asian press coverage, but simply most of the local language media here (who were approached by the organizers) either ignored the story or flat out refused to report on the hunt for contestants.
So, if you're going to take a negative attitude and post ignorant opinions here, just ask yourself- what have YOU done to help your gay community lately other than get off your tits at the local club and sleep your way through everyone in town? The 'chubby' guy some of you are picking on here- that guy got off his arse and CHANGED THE LAW here in HK so that we got EQUAL AGE OF CONSENT. When he was just 18! He's a HERO in my eyes and anyone who has anything nasty to say about him, understand it's like throwing stones at HK's very own Harvey Milk. Haters, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
I know thousands of them.....................
Crazy life, crazy gay business
Perhaps next time they can hold an event that celebrates the beauty and masculinity of asian men! And if an asian man didn't win, oh well, but at least he could be a citizen of the freakin country!
I think it would be racist to exclude people from different ethnic backgrounds. It would be like saying people who enter Mr Gay UK have to be white. I guess it would be fairer if it were someone HK born, definetely not American born.
Overall, its a bit of a farce. It's kind of like when people aren't good enough to play football or cricket for England, they can always always go and play for Hong Kong. Lol.
@hotkiss I agree with you completely. This is Hong Kong's first gay pageant and it's almost a slap in the face to Hong Kong seeing that a non-Asian put his mark on the launch.
@stonedog Your opinion is quite valid. I'm sure the committee ran into a lot of problems and it's too bad that the asians who weren't ready to become publicity figures pulled out. I don't think anyone means to bash the pageant or any of the contestants or members who made it possible and to the great success as one step forward in making a positive mark on HK's gay community... Just the fact that an American had won and the image it brings with it. That's all. Sorry for my ignorance as well in advance.
Hopefully next year, with more support from the local community and press, we'll make a happier and more balanced result.
2rd place Joe Leung
3rd place Gilbert Cheng
4th place Billy Leung
5th place dis/Q Ziggy Bautista
LAST PLACE ....LOSER! RICK the AMERICAN
Surely there are more beautiful men in HK than just 6. I guess the rest don't like being exposed OUT there about their sexual identity.
A credit for those 6 men, especially if they are locals.
An America is Mr HK? Just not quite right?
If the contest was conducted in English not Cantonese. So Cantonese is not important? I speak Cantonese with my Australian accent whenever Im in HK, Just a nice thing to do when you are in a country that language/ dialect is used.
By the way, What is prize money? I'll do it for the bar tap. and for FUN!!!
lets hope there will be more than just miserable 6. next year.
Anyway i love gay!
let him prove himself first. besides, he won't be mister hongkong if he's not deserving for the title.
with only 6 participants and being rated the way the carry themselves and answer tough questions, its not that hard to chose who will be the winner though!
way to defeat the whole purpose.
i think the organisation of this contest is already a milestone in itself and having arrived at this point, let's look ahead and hope the titleholder and the organisers will put in their best to advance the cause and contribute to a better human condition :)
Again, race is not significant, however, don't we all like to see a Hong Kong Chinese to be Mr Gay Hong Kong?
I'm looking forward to seeing a better result next year!
Wake up call for all HK gays out there!
Show them what you've got and otherwise the others will get the awards....
Nothing against but next time you HK gays!!!! DO some effort!
Otherwise this will happen again and again and again so don't complain! or disappoint!!!!
A competition must have good showmanship!!!!
Work out!!!!!
The Mr Gay China competition to be held in Beijing on 15 January will, according to the organisers, also be open 'to anyone who lives in China, local or foreign.'
But then again why bring up the race issues.. after all we are One regardless if we are white or non white gayman..
I m sure in future MR HK wil have more contestants who represent his country proudly..
but on the other hands...if there arent enough local participants...what can u do?!?!
hold on to the racial issue thing for a sec, have we ever ask ourselves as we are all gays either in the cloest / openly, what is the meaning of our lives?!
living superfacially nd continully moaning about the unfair treatments recieve from others, or shall we contribute effects to make gay life better in real for us?!
what can an young gay mayor brings to the society vs what does new Mr gay Hk bring to the locals
brain vs beauty
young Chinese American Maor vs Mr. (American) gay HK
3 comments vs 99 comments
who is hotter?! i would definetly vote Evan Low for the Mr. gay China
congrts! Man Asia Prodcuction, you did good marketing job, certainly draw attention from us.
thats how i find this article n comments.
xx
As for him having to be Asian, that is ridiculous, but at the same time this would be better than the American who was raised in a vastly different culture, at least an Asian would be from a culture much more similar to that of Hong Kong than the Rick Twombley. (When I say Asian, I am referring to a person raised in an Asian country not, for example, a Chinese American or a Korean Australian). But of course a native Hongkonger is obviously the best option when choosing someone to represent Hong Kong.
Having said all this, Rick Twombley must have some level of public support as there was a online public vote. Unfortunately I don’t believe that the online voters were voting on the basis of who would be best to represent them, but who they thought was the best looking, or something similar, but of course that is not for me to assume.
All in all it is up to the Hong Kong gay community to choose who they want to represent them, next time I hope they choose someone more suitable.
Alright enough sarcasm, for those who cares about homosexuals in Hong Kong or Hong Kong cultures, in fact this, or any kind of male beauty contests are usually under looked. I mean, how many of Hong Kong residents were aware of this competition? I myself have not seen any form of advertisements PRIOR to the final stage of such competition flowing around our community. Not to say if the community is *interested* in these things.
To the judges and marketing team: LOOK at the Hong Kong registered users on Fridae or any other *more* racially diverse network sites (you know what they are), and ask yourself, is this year's winner/contestants even close to what you see the HK hotties on average? Seeing is believing.
After the handover, the government of Hong Kong adopted the "biliterate and trilingual" (兩文三語) policy. Under this policy, Chinese and English must both be acknowledged as official languages, with Standard Cantonese being acknowledged as the de facto official spoken variety of Chinese in Hong Kong, while also accepting the use of Standard Mandarin.[1]
The Civil Service Bureau monitors the implementation of the government's language policy at the civil level, the Department of Justice governs the legal aspect and the Education and Manpower Bureau monitors the educational aspect."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Hong_Kong
hope u got enough time to get Chinese language lessons done before u off to Oslo, Rick!
Chinese = (Mandarin+Cantonese+other local dialogues in China); some of English speaking people might be confused;
wish u can be socially and culturally accepted since u have won the title of Mr.Gay HK, Rick and hope u can do a good job.
To win the Mr Gay Hong Kong flag.
He's our boy who is HK asain & gay ,
& always striving for glory and fame!
See Jason Tany fly up, up,
The other gay guys he don't fear,
They all try their best,
But they can't get near,
As JASON fly's up!
Jason , enjoy Oslo ;)
And yes, unless the press successfully conveys the difficulty of circumstances that the organizers and judges have faced during the contest, this is only gonna make Hong Kong look bad and inferior (for not being able to express themselves freely and some may even think that the locals aren't attractive enough)
Still big round of applause for all the contestants.. well done
Billy rocks my world! If you don't know why, google him.
There is a difference, isn't there?
good evening ... xoxoxox
November '09 was a big fabulous month for HK full of historical queer milestones. We had Floatilla IV, Pride March II, Volume III, the 1st Mr Gay HK and the 1st ever Drag recording artist in Asia: La Chiquitta, who released "Tranny In The House"- her debut single here. (Search it on Youtube to hear it).
As a city & a community we are making much progress & everyone who has participated either as an organizer or spectator should be applauded.
Great work, I applaude all the guys who took part or helped organise the event & am sorry I was not able to be there for it when it was happening...
we have all had our struggles, some greater than others, but as I say...
before you pass judgement on me & who I am....hear my story!
Now, about the qualifications for the judges?
Questions:
What exactly can HK expect now of it's winner?
Besides traveling to Oslo later to compete in an international "pagent", what is he expected to contribute to HK and the gay community during his "reign"?
Or is this all for "fun" and "show"? (like the Mr. Babylon episode from QAF)
If there's a repeat "pagent" next year, organizers please read above and make your Improvement Lists and refine your scorecards. Build stronger coalitions, recruit more contestents, procure additional media coverage, community and corporate backing. A GOOD job was done this year; so please take the constructive criticism to heart, utilize your experiences from this year and make sure a GREAT job is done next year.
I hope next year at least 10 local hunky Chinese guys will enter the contest. Not much chance that will happen though. Oh well.
u want caucasian gay men? go to usa
bad for gays in asia
To those who say this thread being racist, well, this is not the first time such racism appears on fridae threads.
To the organizer, if this event were intended to be a regular event, then you guys have a lot lot homeworks to do. So good luck next year! Hope to see 60 contestants instead of 6!
They all deserve to be winners 'cos they had the balls to flaunt themselves out there and mighty proud, at that!
We all know no country in Asia is ripe enough to hold such event as something mainstream. Oh well... I really think HONGKONG is the real winner here. Oh, bless. xx
No doubt the winner has possessed certain qualities that got him through to the end but frankly, it's honest and total disappointment, felt by not only by the locals, Asians in other countries but also even some of the caucasian readers worldwide, regardless of any circumstances given.
Hong Kong isn't considered as a culturally and racially diversified country, compared to Singapore or Australia. Therefore isn't it normal for people to think it's weird when they find out about the outcomes?
thick bridged eyebrow, cross eyed nipple, except for the protein shakes effect and 7 days a week gym, nothing is actually appealing. and he is actually ancient from a beauty pegeantry point of view.
as for racism, no, black, yellow, brown, coloured people didnt gas people, village burning, ethnic cleansing, sabotaging uncivilised 'monkeys', so to complain abt more representative either in the US or HK is not considered racism. whereby, white people, with hundred years old monstrosity from africa to chine, america to australia, no formal apology given, and enjoying the after effect of it while bravely justifying it with whatever means possible, yes, they CAN be called racists.
nuff said.
Can you imagine if Americans started screaming "No Asians in the Miss USA pageant!" Or the English said "No Hispanics for Mr. England."
It seems only fair that if you are a citizen of a country, you should be awarded equal rights to everyone else from that country.
Only six?!
Hell, no wonder a foreigner won! Even I would have had a chance if I'd entered! How many people would the competition organisers have been prepared to accept? Five? Two?
Not exactly a great event... Oh well, step by step, and all a' that... My HK friends are all Mr HK to Me, anyway...
Love, peace and happiness.
Second, I too am disappointed that the winner was not an Asian as we all know that there must have been at least one Asian Hong Konger with an awesome face and body and matching personality who would have represented well. I feel badly that Rick has had to bear the brunt of so much misplaced anger, one that appears to reflect an underlying frustration that gay Asians in Asia are still generally deemed socially unacceptable creatures who are best unseen, much less seen as a potential national symbol. The success of gay pride parades throughout Asia notwithstanding, I can't believe I was the only one surprised that only five gay Asians signed up for beauty pageant duty. It's one thing to embrace other sweaty bodies at a circuit party on the speakers with your sunglasses on; quite another to step forward alone and bare your entire soul and sexuality on a world stage.
The highest commendations go to the five Asian men who entered the competition, but it's irrational to be making Rick a punching bag because fifty other gay Asian Hong Kongers decided not to.
In Australia you could become Prime Minister or a Cabinet Minister even if you were born in Malaysia and were a lesbian (Penny Wong) and you could have relatives living and voting in Australia who did not speak English (but don't get me started on the stupidity of that). So if the Yank fulfilled the criteria better than the locals, he is Mr Cheesecake Hong Kong.
We can only hope that next year more people of all races will be encouraged to enter the competition, and I hope a Norwegian or a Nigerian wins because with the element of anti-Americanism (which must count for a lot in this world) removed, we will see who is truly racist or not.
Oops!! I meant to say that there are some things more important like WORLD PEACE!!!, than arguing over who the next Mr GAY HK is!!
I have lived in Asia most of my life. Japan is home to me. I consider myself local. But I am an American by citizenship and basically Caucasian technically. Does that mean I can't participate in a contest or represent the place that I consider my home simply by reason of my birth? Come on guys... of all the people who should NOT be so narrow minded, gay people should be the ones to open their arms and welcome anyone who is willing to stand up and be proud. Aren't we discriminated against enough... do we need this kind of crap in our own culture? I say NO!
I have lived in Asia most of my life. Japan is home to me. I consider myself local. But I am an American by citizenship and basically Caucasian technically. Does that mean I can't participate in a contest or represent the place that I consider my home simply by reason of my birth? Come on guys... of all the people who should NOT be so narrow minded, gay people should be the ones to open their arms and welcome anyone who is willing to stand up and be proud. Aren't we discriminated against enough... do we need this kind of crap in our own culture? I say NO!
I think those Asians are cuter. Mr. Gay HK should represent the majority of local gay community.
Take care and stay safe.
how about this: strap on a pair of balls and nominate yourself next year, then let's see what the comments say.
congratulations to the winner as well as all those brave enough to compete. stand tall, you all have my respect.
Now, do the right thing (what any enlightened monarch would do FOR her country):
ABDICATE THE THRONE.
GIVE BACK THE TIARA.
Do you realize what a LAUGHING STOCK you will make of Hong Kong on the International gay stage when you present your American -not even British- Caucasian pecs and basket while flying the flag of Hong Kong?
(And let's be honest here, you know you wouldn't have a snowball's chance in Kowloon of even placing in the country of your birth and passport).
can a small hobbit guy like me join in ?
hehehe
No matter what the job, people should always be chosen based on merit. This should be a global requirement.
In the mean time, please consider the following cases:
Lea Salonga was born in 1971 in the Philippines. She shot to fame for originating the role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Miserables on Broadway. She was not discriminated against for being Asian. She got the part based on her talent and popularity.
Penny Wong is a lesbian born in Malaysia. She became a Cabinet Minister in Australia. Australia voted for her, again based on merit, not ethnic background.
Ang Lee On is an Academy Award-winning film director from Taiwan. It doesn’t bother anyone where he was born. Here is an Asian man directing a gay American movie (Brokeback Mountain). No-one accused him of not understanding gay American culture. He made a beautiful movie despite not being gay, or American by nationality.
What about Ichiro Suzuki: Major League Baseball Superstar. He is a Japanese outfielder for the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team. He became the first Japanese-born everyday position player in the Major Leagues. Or how about Yao Ming: Chinese NBA Basketball Superstar? Yao is one of China's most recognizable athletes, and earn millions (USD). Or even Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao: World Boxing Champion. This Filipino boxer needs no introduction for he is very well-known the world over. None of them reside in their country of origin. They are revered for their talent, and not discriminated against.
Yul Kwon was born in New York, to South Korean immigrants. He recently won $1 million in the popular American TV show “Survivor.” Did anyone say, “Sorry, you just don’t look American?” He won his million fair and square. He is an American citizen, and that is all that matters.
Dat Phan is a Vietnamese American whose family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. He entered NBS’s stand-up comedy competition “The Last Comic Standing”, and he became The Original Winner. Although it was the first competition of its kind, people didn’t say the first winner must be a white guy! He won because he was the best comedian.
Talent and skill, that’s what it’s all about.
While we are united in battling homphobia as a 'gay' family its seems we are divided by prolific racism in the 'human' family.
To many aussies who live in a very culturally diverse (maybe the most diverse in the world) society, the level of extreme resentment as displayed in this forum of a 'resident' who is not ethnically native to a country would be very perplexing.
As pointed out in a previous post, ( Ferribal post #177) even members of our (Aust) government, I am thinking Penny Wong (non aussie born, 'out' as a gay person') who is a senator and representing Australia in Copenhagen on an issue of global warming, (an issue SOOO much more important than a 'gay pageant' ) are given a fair and equal oppurtunity. In the period she has been in government, NOT once have I heard a negative comment towards her ethnic roots or even a slur against her sexuality regardless of her political persausian.
And she is just one example of a representive of our country not born here, but who lives, embraces/adopts this country as her home.
If the winner of any type of competition, be it a pageant, community merit, government election, singing/dancing contest (gay or otherwise) happened to be of Asian heritage or any other race for that matter, I guarantee, hardly an eyebrow would be raised. The winner would be accepted and acknowledged with graciousness........ as it should be.
Should Hong Kong be so different, especially in the gay communtiy ?
Hence this debate to me is sooo two centuries ago, and so vile.
Racism is so alive and kicking in this world, let it not be part of ours.
Whether the winner of this 'contest' (absurd as this competion may be) is the rightful winner in anybodys opinion, the fact is he was voted as the winner, by fellow Hong Kong gay voters.
Whatever your view is (need more Asian participants/ban non-born contestants/disapointed that an Asian didnt win/ hand back the crown) please, think again, and think about whether you are really 'racist' or not.
Its horrible.
And another thing: Those posts that cruelly belittle one of the contestants for not being a 'perfect' body shape,.... well shame on you. I happen to think he looks so sweet and sexy, and given his previous battles for the benefit of our community deserves our respect and love.
Guys, please chill out.
but where were you guys ???????
still hiding in the Confucian closet....................................?
nevertheless some of the remarks have been extremely ignorant and blunt.. especially those bombarded against the contestants... at least they are bold enough to go up the stage.. and the winner sure has a lot of homework to do and work twice as hard to earn people's respect and support..
be kind to others, guys
Maybe they don't have to be of Asian descent, but should at least be HK citizens if they plan to be Mr Hong Kong, not just expats.
Lets hope future competions bring in more brave applicants. Six people should be finalists, not the only people in the comp. Maybe some of the models from http://www.spyhenrylau.com/ ? LOL.
how come the vote mr gay hk??
also outlander shouldnt be accepted 4 entry
It does not matter whether you're native or expat in HK; you're already a winner by footing forward in this Contest.
Kudos to the other contestants as well, (though l won't go BOOMZ on Billy Leung); you're all a winner in your own capacity.
It is easy to criticize; we all are unique in our own ways, have different opinions + judgments. But cruel comments made on these guys were unfair & only a sadist will think as such.
So, let us give our bros a break; this Contest is new, hence if we lend our support & is well received, who knows it may expand to other regions.
So chill guys, have a heart.
Hugs
Dean
That being said, alot of Asians fetishize whites and alot of whites have yellow fever.....come on don't be surprised look at this site! If the fella was articulate and talented and looks good in a swimsuit then good on him. If the colour of his skin was the determining factor then we need closer interspection peace from Canada
Hence, no one should be blamed for this undesirable result.
And, my vote go to-------- Jason Tang.
Also very disapointed.
Why? Because anybody contemplating entering would understandably be put off for fear of having their physical appearance held up to scrutiny and torn to shreds in a humiliating, demeaning, cruel, and unfair way in forums such as this. I'm sure Fridae is not the only website where this discussion is taking place.
The taunts from the 'peanut gallery' would seem unbearable.
What type of schoolyard behaviour is name calling such as the following written here?:
"ugly".. "chubby" .."ugly Betty" "rather awful".. "all of them are ugly".. "porker" .. (PORKER ??)...."yuck"...."the runners up arent that cute"..... "they are all gross"
Geez, and the list goes on and on.
I wouldnt call those 'comments. I'd call them insults.
"Congratualtions" to all of you (although you didnt have the guts to enter yourselves) for tearing down those brave enough to put all they have in public view. Im sure you were successful in hurting at least one persons feelings. And yes, they do have feelings.
The only positive thing to come from the venomous comments is that it puts in the public forum your true feelings and personality for all to see.
In my view, you are the only' losers' in the aftermath of this competition.
his not even that good looking ..
I'm sick of seeing so many Ugly white men in Asia when are the good looking ones going to come lol
. And Asian people should see that not all WHITE PEOPLE are beautiful lol
I have seen many Ugly ones lol ...
Only the good looking ones stay in the Big city .. e.g NYC , London , Paris , SanFran etc
How do you expect to be respected and accepted when you share the prejudices of those who ostracised you and when you behave like them?
Where are the talks of equal rights. of tolerance and of "community"? Down the drain with your dignity?
Be seeing you, not in a beauty contest, definitively.
However, due to the publicity that comes with the pageant, it is not surprising that many good looking locals would not take the risk of exposing themselves...this is HK.
Rick, maybe you shud take part in Mr Thailand or Mr Singapore next year...;-))
In addition, let me point out again that the organizer and the judges didn't rule out either that no other race against asians should participate in the event. Nobody will go out there to make such silly rules. It's just perplexing to see an expat win the Mr. gay HK title and that a lot of ppl feel he's not "Hong Konger" enough. (THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO IT!). And i'm sure many people in this forum has shared the same feeling too.
Don't mind me saying this, but being thrown at with such accusations can be really offensive to some of the asians and clearly it doesn't make things any better.
Chill out, people..
Some of the comments here have really disgusted me… I have to say this issue is nothing to do with RACISM, if you r still trying to link those tow together then u d better to look up in the dictionary for the meaning; and also please looking for the term of “SOCIAL FORMS AND NORMS”. Well! If you r still confused by the words then u need to enroll in an English language school to study hard and to get it right for every time you are going to use the word RACISM in the future!
Play fair with consideration, don’t take something from somebody else’s which is entirely not belongs to you (especially showing off after u got it, it is just pissing off people even more!); also don’t let somebody else to take advantage from you in any circumstances!
ethnocentrism + narcissism = superficiality, shallow, ignorance → humiliate yourself.
Lessons learnt?! Good boys! This thing needs to be wrapped up by now, shall we? Let’s FOCUS ON the issues which can make OUR gay life better for all of US. Such as the gay rights, marriage, EQUAL treatments, etc. still WE ARE the MINORITIES in front of 90% world wide population.
It is a new week beginning…
Love you all, and be good!
Correct me if I am wrong.
To those white guys using the race card...sort out your own country before you start criticising those Asians, who, understandably enough, would like their own race to represent them.
He complains about people who compete being "put off for fear of having their physical appearance held up to scrutiny" and ridiculed.
If they are so think-skinned...they shouldn't enter a BEAUTY PAGEANT!!!!
Physical appearance is what they are about!!!! Ridiculous!
silly me.
Strange, I dont see anywhere in the article, or in the promtions for the"'MR. GAY HONG KONG" pageant that its a BEAUTY pageant?
In a multiracial country, you must not expect the participants to be certain race or from certain continent.
I have to applaud the activity was being a successful one, minus the unreasonable and unfair comments of course. Keep it up.
And to Dynhoyw.....I didn't want to post here, as embarrasing others publicly isn't my style, but I'm not sure you will get the message i sent, as I will no longer have this account......
I really find some of your comments (actually, ALL of your comments) concerning the Mr. Gay HK competition to be ignorant, and they spread intolerance and hatred...aimed at a person and its organizers, whom I assume you've never even met???
I agree with one of the other posters that at no point did I see this competition billed as a "beauty pageant." Everything I read said it was a chance to find an ambassador to be a strong leader for the world-wide gay community (NOT just the ASAIN gay community, mind you). I will say however, that the author of this article did not choose flattering pictures of ANY of the contestants. However, after looking at the winners profile, I found him to be EXTREMELY handsome and charming-looking, totally befitting any "beauty pageant."
The only posts I saw from this brave guy were dignified, educated and speaking toward tolerance and unity. In no way defensive or accusatory. And you, dynhoyw, told him to 'GROW UP?" What Bizarro world do you live in, sir? You will spout vile judgements, and support the hateful comments of others, but when someone has something honest and worthwhile to say, you ridicule them? Shame on you. Shame on ALL of you.
In your "About Me," dynhoyw,you state you are Kind and considerate. (I've seen on some of you others profiles "loving" "educated" "smart" "accepting")!!!!!!! I have seen no evidence of that on this site.
Good day
If the contest is open for everyone to apply then the title of the competition should be "Mr Gay" Organized in HK.
As for MR GAY HK, he should do the honourable thing and resign his crown, in view of the obvious discontent with his having "won" the title.
This is boring me now. There are more important things to worry about.
1.Joe: wonderful angular features, gymnast's body.
2.Jason: Chunky, strong tanned body, handsome amiable face.
3. Billy: face of an angel, so cute, and look at those legs!! To die for.
4. Gilbert: wow, the typical gorgeous boy-next-door look. So naturally appealing in every aspect.
5. Ziggy: ahh a heart-breaker. Handsome, cheeky, confident, with a body that turns your head.
6. Rick: muscled body, chiselled features, great smile.
How could I ever choose.? I couldnt.
They are all beautiful.
10/10 for bravery
10/10 for dignity
10/10 for beauty
Guys you all WIN. You are ALL so beautiful.
That what makes life so wonderful. Everybody different, everbody beautiful in their own way.
Congratualtions. ;)
As such faced with a sudden lack of contestants, the organisers have to make do with the most of what they can.
I don't know them, but as I worked with similar gay "pageants" before, I understand what might have happened.
For those of you dissing about how "ugly" so and so is... and why an "american won MR Gay Hongkong"... ask yourself this... would you dare to stand up in the spotlight and be ogled and dissed(at the same time) by countless of sharp witted bitches? Would you dare to stand in front and be totally upfront and open about your sexuality?
It is so easy to sit behind the comfort of your home and computer and bitch endlessly about how "ugly" they are. Ask yourself again... do you have the courage to do what they had done?
The winner must have qualified at the basic requirements to even enter the competition in the first place, and the fact that he was American doesn't bother me the least.
I know what you mean. So the question we need to ask should be why was he even admitted in the contest in the first place?
Quite frankly I don't care if he was from Mars, though I do admit to be slightly disappointed that it was not a native guy(regardless of race) born there.
After all, from a European perspective, the US are just an ex-UK colony that managed to get away with the rebellion (while Australia and Canada had to go step by step in disentangling themselves from the deadly embrace of the British Empire viper, and are nevertheless much less racist, oppressive societies than the US).
But, for those racists here who insist on "blood" and "Asian" -- do you really mean what you say? Would you have fewer problems if the person selected was a Filipino or a person from Ludhiana or Karachi (of very much "Asian" everything, including "blood") who is a legal resident in the Stinking-Not-Fragrant Harbour of Xianggang?
Or are you bigots?
Anyway...
He won. He's American. SO?
GET OVER IT!!!!
Listen to you lot arguing, snipping and bitching over nationality, racism and goodness knows what else.
Let me ask you again, who else here have the courage to do what the 6 have done?? Especially those of you native to Hongkong.
I'm really surprised at the amount of pettiness abound over such an issue.
And he is cute (although perhaps of an age as ripe as the Yank's one), discreet (note the goggles), expressive (note the smirk) and the body's just fine.
If they wanted to find a true Asian i guess they would have op for a stick Hong Kong Asian men only. But it title is Mr Gay Hong Kong....
or should it be Mr Gay Hong Kong Visitors?
I CAN'T HANDLE UNFAIRNESS !
No offence to rick. Hes stunning! So ALL from HK and the Hispanic!
This is not OSLO remenber !
It's grossely unfair. This is nor Mr. Gay Universe Pageant.
Now realy. All the Guys are winners!
Hong Kong's first Mr. Gay Pageant and the area is going to send an American to OSLO.
It's water under the bridge. Sincerely hope the organizers read all the comments.
Allow only a native inhabitant from each country/international zone to represent his country, or a person staying there in permanence.
Imagine 192 Amaricans rock up in Oslo. Each representing their own Int zone.
PLEASE GUYS !..............................................
And for the Asian gay man, it's hard not to feel challenged and territorial when a White guy wins a beauty contest in your home country.
It's not as if gay Asian men haven't grown up watching adverts implicitly telling then "white is better", or that that Internet doesn't predominantly sells the image of the all-American Sean Cody as the model porn star.
What are people supposed to think?
Anyway, the point is, with the First such contest in HK, yes, there was more 'weight' on the contest than subsequent years will have. So who wins it, as the 'best' gay HKer? A white foreigner. In an ideal world - meh, sure, why not? But in the Real world, it's a bad result; it's patronising for cries of "Racist!" to be flung up for saying that.
In the bigger picture, if such a trite contest Must be held, then at the very least, a 'true' HKer Should have won. Now, of course, various White guys will feel glad, 'knowing' that this result shows how 'inferior' Asian men are...
I think I'll just wait for Brain of Asia instead, rather than something decided with a swimwear section. Even though I'd Also have had a sizable chance of winning Mr HK - well, a 1 in 6 or so chance anyway...! ;-)
Why do I seem to be the only person who thinks that muscle is actually quite nasty unless we are talking people who play sport and are fit because of that instead of hours working in the gym to build those dreadful disco tits...
Why do I seem to be the only person who thinks that muscle is actually quite nasty unless we are talking people who play sport and are fit because of that instead of hours working in the gym to build those dreadful disco tits...
i want mr hong kong, not mr american...............
SO SO SO STUPID..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not going to accuse him of anything but he's sure not an example for any of us to follow..
Hey site managers, do your job! The most impolite comments I have ever read on a thread like this. Many personal attacks too.
anyway, I think as a former Dentist (now turned Polo Playboy) Billy should have won cause he has the best smile and dental work and track record as a brave HK man
finally, if you guys are interested in a real american boy with class, watch Saturday Night Live where my little cousin Taylor Lautner is hosting... the kid isn't gay, but my gay friends all think he's hotter than Mr. Gay HK now and he is willing to demonstrate his karate skills that he learned from Fabiano's Karate School in Holland, Michigan-- a real American hottie and totally open minded with his gay relatives
"These comments make Hong Kong sound like the most racist, intolerant, and ignorant place on the face of the planet!"
Guess what? IT IS. Just step outside your door and ride the MTR if you're white, black, red or brown and see how the average HK citizen treats you.
1) Seeing is believing.. Do not blindly believe what others say. See for yourself not based on false and groundless accusations, as well as stereotyping, categorizing and generalizing, but based on what brings clarity and peace.
2) Victory creates hatred, defeat creates suffering. Those who are wise strive for neither victory nor defeat
3) Words have the power to heal or destroy. Be careful with your choice of words.
4) Praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow come and go like the wind. To be happy, rest like a great tree in the midst of them all.
5) A day spent judging another is a painful day. A day spent judging yourself is a painful day. You don't have to believe your judgments; they're simply old habits.
If there was a word of protest, then shouldn't it be directed to the organisers instead of the people who took part?
Plus, if we were to read carefully enough, it was based on a vote system and the people and the judges voted for the American who has stage presence due to his background of being an acrobat, dancer and singer.
I honestly think the comments on and teeming with racism are irrelevant to the article, especially since it seems that this was a decision made by those present (and online) in Hong Kong itself.
For all you know, some pretty thing from Costa Rica will be the next Miss HK....
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