Germany takes Mr Gay World 2015 title

A 21-year-old milk technician from Germany has been chosen as Mr Gay World 2015.

Klaus Burkart was awarded the title at a glittering ceremony in the town of Kynsna, South Africa on Saturday night.

He beat out 20 other contestants from around the world after a week-long series of physical, creative and LGBT rights awareness tests.

“It’s amazing,” an elated Burkart told Mambaonline after being crowned. “I never thought I would win. I came here for the adventure and the experience.”

Burkart said that he aims to become a role model for young gay people around the world and plans to use his reign to campaign against bullying and gay bashing.

The first runner up in the competition was Emmanuel Mass Luciano, a 35-year-old fashion designer, stylist and blogger from Hong Kong, followed in third place by Tomi Lappi, a 24-year-old professional dancer and show coordinator from Finland.

There were only two African delegates in the contest, Craig Maggs from South Africa and Siyathokoza Thabani Khumalo from Zambia, who both placed in the top eleven finalists.

Burkart replaces Stuart Hatton Jr., the 2014 winner from the UK who used his title to launch the international “So What” social media campaign, promoting tolerance and diversity.

Now in its seventh year, Saturday’s Mr Gay World Grand Finale was the culmination of an annual search for a global ambassador for the LGBT community.

The serious human rights elements of the contest were highlighted this year when India’s representative was forced to withdraw at the last minute after he and his family received homophobic threats.