In an open letter to fans, reigning ‘Mr Gay World' Klaus Burkart has stepped down from his position because of “personal changes.”
21-year-old “milk technician” Burkart, who won the competition in May, wrote:
“When I entered the 2015 MR GAY WORLD™ competition in South Africa I thought that becoming MR GAY WORLD™ was the biggest challenge of my life.
“Indeed it is very challenging and exciting winning the title, but what is more challenging is living up to the expectations, responsibilities and duties that come along with it.
“Being MR GAY WORLD™ and serving the community has filled me with pride and joy. I had the opportunity to travel to different places and meet many members and friends of the LGBTI community – their positive feedback showed me that my mission had a true meaning and that the efforts of MR GAY WORLD™ are relevant and important.
“Facing this great experiences I'm very sad to announce that due to personal changes in my life I will no longer be able to live up to the expectations and serve the community to the extent that the title requires to do so.”
Passing the baton on to runner-up Mr Gay Hong Kong, Burkart added that Emmanuel Mass Luciano “will be a great representative for our community, who will put all his heart and passion into his reign.”
Meet your new Mr. Gay World:
Watch an interview with Burkart below.
