Mr Gay World 2019 Hong Kong dates confirmed

If you’re planning to attend Mr Gay World™ 2019, you can now book your flights: The dates for next year’s contest in Hong Kong have been revealed.

The prestigious contest, now in its 11th year, will be held in the global city from 28 April to 4 May, 2019.

The dates are earlier than expected, with initial speculation hinting at June.

In an official statement last month, Mr Gay World announced that Hong Kong had been chosen to host the contest.

The news was first revealed at the recent Mr Gay World 2018 grand finale in Knysna, South Africa.

The awarding of the hosting rights to Hong Kong follows its recent selection to host the Gay Games in 2022.

The city, however, has a mixed record when it comes to LGBTI rights. Earlier this month, the territory’s authorities were criticised for restricting access to children’s books that contain LGBT themes in public libraries.

Homosexuality was legalised in Hong Kong in 1991 but same-sex unions or relationships are not recognised and there are no laws specifically banning discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Mr Gay World is described as “a twenty first century public performance where the delegates represent their nation as the best spokesperson and embody the spirit of their nation.” It aims to find “a worldwide ambassador and spokesperson for LGBTI rights and a role model for LGBTI youth.”