Article DetailsNorth Van’s Bruce is Mr. Gay Canada |
| “Besides feeling loved and challenged, it was one of the first times I felt understood,” he said in a statement. “I wanted to call my boyfriend and my parents right away.” Tore Aasheim, one of the judges and the founder of the Mr. Gay Europe competition, said Monday (Sept. 22) that Bruce will represent Canada well on the international stage. “He seemed to have an idea what he wanted to do with the title,” Aasheim said. “I think Canada should be very proud of him.” Aasheim said Bruce carried himself with confidence and while he’s athletic and fresh looking, it was his personality in the interviews with the judges that made him stand out. Bruce spoke clearly during the interviews about his goals as Mr. Gay Canada, he said. “He has a really positive aura, he’s a very caring person and he has a very open mind,” Aasheim said. “He’s the Canadian the whole world can relate to.” As Mr. Gay Canada, Bruce will compete in the International Mr. Gay event next year. He’ll also appear in public service announcements, make speeches and work toward the Mr. Gay Canada goals to humanize homosexuality and champion equal rights. As a positive role model, Bruce will act as a GLBT tourism ambassador for Canada. Aasheim said Bruce has the values and qualities that judges are looking for in Mr. Gay competitions around the world. Canada should be proud that Bruce will represent the country at International Mr. Gay, he said. “I think he’s going to be very tough competition for the other international delegates,” Aasheim said. Bruce, 25, recently completed an engineering degree at the University of British Columbia. His goals as Mr. Gay Canada include lobbying politicians and GLBT education for youth, he said in a statement. The three days of Mr. Gay Canada competition included various photo challenges, a canoe challenge, interviews and an Eco-Challenge. Aasheim, who is from Norway and was visiting Canada for the first time, said he was taken with the hospitality and warm welcome the Mr. Gay Canada group received in Whistler. “I’m coming back, that’s for sure,” he said. “It was a really nice experience.” Mr. Gay Canada organizer and Whistlerite Dean Nelson said in an email that the delegates and judges were greeted throughout the Village with welcoming comments and best wishes. “Mr. Gay Canada was a total success and we are so thrilled with the incredible community support from Whistler and its visitors,” Nelson wrote. Whistler’s own Stephen Greig represented the resort in the competition and Nelson said Greig received an “incredible cheer” when he took the stage at Maxx Fish on Saturday. “I was so proud of Steve to see his community behind him,” Nelson wrote. “We received hundreds of emails through our website wishing him well and residents lodging their vote for him as Mr. Gay Canada.” www.whistlerquestion.com |
| Date Added: October 12, 2008 11:52:15 AM |
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| Category: Gay Canada |
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