Word: Rick Twombley

On his triumphant return journey to Hong Kong, Rick Twombley reflects on his experience…

I’m writing this entry as I taxi down the runway in Oslo, Norway. I competed this week in Mr. Gay World 2010, and now, as I head back to Hong Kong, I’m overcome with emotions…joy in knowing that I’m on my way home to see my friends and my boyfriend Seth, pride in my success, and sadness because I had such a short time to spend with some truly amazing men and women from around the world…people I know will be friends for life.

I’ve had thousands of goals in my life. Some big, some small; some I’ve accomplished, and some are still in the works. To be honest, however, I never aspired to be an international “beauty queen.” But I learned early in this journey that Mr. Gay World is anything but a beauty pageant. The competition is not about who has the prettiest face, the best abs, or pecs the size of basketballs. It is more akin to a fabulous job interview meant to select charming, powerful and well-spoken representatives to lead the global gay community into a future where there’s no need to fight for human rights.

My life has been a whirlwind since I arrived in Oslo. I wish I could say there was the stereotypical diva behavior associated with beauty competitions and gay men (I like good wig pulling as much as the next guy). Alas, there were no bitchy queens putting blue dye in their roommates face wash or slathering their competitors underwear with Tiger Balm…all the delegates really got along from Day One. There wasn’t time for drama, anyway, with our hectic schedule. We had photo shoots, fashion shows, and media interviews. There were educational tours of Norwegian Parliament and the Nobel Peace Center. We competed in preliminary competitions and had extensive interviews with the judging panel. Not to mention many of us ran to the gym at 6AM for quick workouts, and still found time to bond during our few free moments

Fast forward to the night of the Finale. The show took place on Saturday, February 13th, and was streamed live around the world via the Internet. The show consisted of a National Costume Parade, Club Wear, Formal Wear and Swim Wear. Mixed in were performances by European pop star Velvet and other performers. Once we finished the swimwear segment, Australian host Will Fennell (who, in my humble opinion, is a hotter version of Hugh Jackman) called us back on stage for the announcement of the Top Ten. I’m proud to say Asia had 3 delegates in the Top Ten, with myself (Hong Kong), David Bosley (Philippines), and Xiaodai Muyi (China) making the cut.

Each delegate in the Top Ten was then given an interview question from a different judge. My question was “Why do you think there is still such opposition against gay couples adopting children.” I answered with, “There is still a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication between the straight and gay communities. I believe the most important thing we can do to show the general public that it is a wonderful thing for a gay couple to adopt children, is to live our lives openly and honestly, and show that we are just like them. We have families and friends, jobs and pets, and the most important thing in life is to share love…and I don’t think it should ever be seen as wrong to want to love someone in your life.”

The ten of us exited stage while the judges decided the Top 5. When the decision was made, we were brought back, and Spain, South Africa, China, Australia and I were announced in the top spots. At that point, my heart began to race. To be in the Top 5 was already above and beyond what I ever expected.

Next, the five of us had our ears covered by headphones, and were asked the same interview question, one by one. The question was “If you were asked to speak in a high school about sexuality, what would you say to the kids.” My answer centered around my own high school experience, and the choice I made to follow my dreams to become a professional dancer, despite harassment by my fellow students. Moral of the story: Have dreams, trust who you are, and never let other people determine your path to happiness.

After a short break, the winners were announced. Eric Butter, President of Mr. Gay World named the 4th Runner-Up as Sergio Lara of Spain (also the current Mr. Gay Europe). My heart rate quickened even more. Eric then named 3rd

Runner-Up as Xiaodai of China, and my heart nearly pounded out of my chest. I realized I had just made the Top 3. I looked over at Byron (Mr Australia, as well as one of my best friends during the week) and Charl (Mr. South Africa), and couldn’t comprehend that I was still standing there with these two men who I consider to be the epitome of charm and intelligence. I was named as 2nd Runner-Up, Byron as 1st Runner-Up, and Charl was named the winner of Mr. Gay World, 2010. During the announcement, Eric stated that the race had been extremely close, and any of the top candidates could easily take the mantle of Mr. Gay World.

I was also honored to win the award for Best National Costume, which was designed by local costume designer Andrew Cheung. I was surprised to learn that I had also tied with 4 other contestants (Byron, Charl, Walter Heidkampf of Norway and Cedric Fievet of Belgium) for Mr. Congeniality. I also had the 2nd highest number of votes in the online poll (Thiago Silvestre of Brazil was 1st). Two specialty awards were given to David of Russia (Mr. Photogenic and Best in Swim Wear), and Walter of Norway received the Local Hero Award for his work concerning HIV health and education. He has been living with HIV for 20 years, has overcome drug addiction, and, at 50, he was the oldest delegate in the competition…a true role model for gay men worldwide.

I never imagined I would do so well amongst so many amazing gay men. I will forever be filled with pride knowing I honored my adoptive home of Hong Kong in the eyes of the rest of the world. It’s an accomplishment no one can deny, and no one can ever take away. It’s truly special.

Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo last December, and in his acceptance speech, he said “I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century.” I don’t think any words could better summarize the responsibility of this year’s (and future year’s) Mr. Gay World delegates. I

personally hope my success as a representative of an Asian nation triggers a positive response in other gay men across Asia…men who feel that family honor, fear of losing their jobs or personal repute inhibit authentic individual expression of who they truly are. I want to be a symbol of strength to these men, and I hope that my story encourages them to find their own strength, to live their lives openly with pride. This openness is the only path to a world where we are no longer seen as “different,” but as equal, productive and vital members of one world community.

Well, we’re in the air now, and I have 9 hours until I land in Hong Kong. I already miss my new friends terribly. But I’m happy I’m headed home to Seth, a shower and a home-cooked meal. Luckily, I have a whole row on the plane to myself, so I guess I’ll stretch out, get some much-needed sleep, and dream.