Beauty is just a small part of this pageant. Organizers are looking for "the consummate gay man who embodies the spirit of Hong Kong" and who can be a spokesperson for gay men in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia. A pretty tall order for a pretty boy. That's why each of the final contestants was chosen not just for their perfectly symmetrical faces and toned gluteal muscles, but also for their sense of gay rights advocacy within their communities.
The Mr Gay Hong Kong contest -- its tag is "There's more than one way to be a man" --- will be hosted by RTHK Radio 2 host Brian Leung and the panel of judges include Barney Cheng, Colette Koo, Johannes Pong, Paul Hicks, and Francis Lo. Other guest appearances include Mr Gay Philippines 2009, DJ Stonedog at the after-party, and Hong Kong’s first drag recording artist, La Chiquitta, who will perform her debut single “Tranny in the House.”
Billy Leung
Age: 25
Birthday: October18, 1984
Height: 175cm
When he was just 20 years old, Billy challenged Hong Kong's anti-sodomy law, which puts the age of consent for anal sex at 21, five years higher than for vaginal sex. And he won. Billy has since become a poster boy for gay activism everywhere. The Advocate heralded him as “Hong Kong’s Young Crusader.” Billy loves to travel, go to the cinema, hang out with friends and enjoy the sunshine.
Gilbert Cheng
Age: 30
Birthday: August 20, 1979
Height: 175cm
Gilbert's impish mug was captured in the first volume of the acclaimed coffee table book "The Asian Male." His boyish good looks and charming manner have also served him well as a professional in the hospitality industry. Gilbert enjoys working out, travelling, and fine dining with his other half.
Jason Tang
Age: 31
Birthday: December 14, 1977
Height: 170cm
Jason has just recently moved back to Hong Kong from Toronto. He first caught the attention of Man Asia Productions when he cheekily took the stage in nothing but boxer shorts to promote a line of underwear at a popular gay networking event. Jason is a straight-forward and easy-going kind of guy who makes no judgments. He may be quiet at first and it might take him a while to warm up to strangers, but he soon reveals a confident and daring nature. He enjoys travel, tech gadgets, working out, and watching "Mad Men."
Joe Leung
Age: 28
Birthday: September 16, 1981
Height: 170cm
Joe is an officer of AIDS Concern. He recently traveled to Sydney for the ACON festival, which promotes the gospel of safe sex. Joe plays the traditional Chinese string instrument, ruan, and is also a talented singer.
Rick Twombley
Age: 30
Birthday: December 29, 1978
Height: 182ccm
Rick is a singer, dancer and actor, but his specialty is aerial artistry. Between his demanding work schedule and hosting a stream of movie nights and cooking sessions at the place he shares with his partner, it’s a wonder he has time to join a beauty pageant at all. This is Rick’s fifth year living in Hong Kong, and he is still loving it.
Ziggy Bautista
Age: 38
Birthday: October 22, 1971
Height: 178cm
Ziggy is a topnotch interior designer who has been practicing successfully in Hong Kong for several years now. Ziggy enjoys taking his canoe for marathon rows out from Stanley and beyond, and showed up at this year’s Floatilla as the only one-man junk!
Vote online for your favorite Mr Gay contestant from November 13 noon to November 28 noon at www.manasiaproductions.com.
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