Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Dion Alexander and I am the current Mr Gay Pride Australia. I have been an advocate in the LGBTQIA+ space for over five years being heavily involved with the Rainbow Swans who are the official LGBTQIA+ supporter group of the Sydney Swans.
I aim to end homophobia in sport and have been working heavily with the AFL pride collective to campaign the AFL for a pride round in the men’s division. Recently, I represented Australia at the Mr Gay World contest in South Africa. And after the contest, I had the absolute privilege to sit down with the two gentlemen that outpaced me for the crown. That’s right. Your boy right here came in as second runner-up. So that’s third, making it only the second time Australia has made the top three. Special mention here to the very popular Jordan Bruno, who not only made the top three but took out the title for Australia in 2018.
Now, if you’re wondering what the My Gay World Contest is, you are not alone, but it is about explicitly seeking to highlight discrimination against LGBTI people and to select positive role models. There are several challenges contestants go through and the challenge that is weighted the most is the social responsibility campaign. Now you’ll hear more about these campaigns as I caught up with the freshly crowned Mr Gay World 2023 Troy Michael Smith and the Mr Gay World 2023 runner-up David Ord. It was so great to sit down with both boys.
After what was a long week, you can hear the passion they have for their causes and their projects and the work that they plan to continue to do post Mr Gay World.
Our Pride by Mr Gay Pride Australia. Giving a platform to some of the change-makers in our community to talk about the great work they are doing while keeping you up to date with what is happening in the broader rainbow community.