Word: Richard Smith and Joe Lam

You’d have to be blind, deaf and dumb to have not known about Hong Kong’s first ever Mr Gay Hong Kong pageant, covered by most of the Hong Kong media and with the troupe taking to the streets to promote themselves. The organizers, Noel and James of Man Asia Productions, did a fantastic job! The contestants preened, pumped, toned their bodies and pushed their IQ’s to compete against one another! Luckily there were no bitch fights and the whole event was a great success and a pivotal event for the community. So with no further a do let’s meet the winner Rick Twombley…

DS: Tell us more about you!
Rick: Well, in a nutshell, I’m just a small-town boy who grew up fighting adversity. I’ve never shied away from being myself, or standing up for what I believe in. I love adventure and travel, and want to be a novelist when I grow up. I’m addicted to reality TV, especially America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway. I crave Indian food and beer, but hardly ever get to have either. I’ve been with my boyfriend Seth for over 3 years, and he’s my best friend. We still make each other laugh everyday.

DS: How do you feel to have won such a presitigious title?
Rick: honoured. Humbled. Excited. Touched beyond belief by the love and support of my friends and family, even strangers, around the world.

DS: Why did you join the Mr Gay Hong Kong contest in the first place?
Rick: To make a difference and do something that MATTERS! This contest is important to show the HK gay community that it’s OK to accept yourself, live your life openly with pride and dignity.

DS: There is some controversy that an American won the Mr Gay Hong Kong title. I know you wrote something on Facebook — would you mind telling our readers about it?
Rick: Officially, discrimination and public vilification of anyone based on race are criminal offenses in Hong Kong. I am a legal resident of Hong Kong, and am therefore protected by its laws. On a personal note, I read one comment by a guy online that really touched me and summed up a lot of my feelings. He said “of all the people who should NOT be so narrow minded, gay people should be the ones to open their arms and welcome anyone who is willing to stand up and be proud. Aren’t we discriminated against enough?” In the end, I guess it’s important to remember that gay is gay, and I’m ready to represent gays everywhere, regardless if they’re Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, or even Muppets (yes, I’m talking to you, Bert and Ernie).

DS: What is the role of Mr Gay Hong Kong in society? What will you do for Hong Kong’s gay community in the future?
Rick: I think ANY gay leader should be a role model who can teach people to stand up, speak out and live life honestly and openly. Big changes are happening in China regarding the gay community, and I for one am proud to be at the forefront of those changes.

DS: What social/gay issues would you like to bring to the forefront?
Rick: Same-sex marriage.

DS: How would you describe the Hong Kong Gay scene to friends back home?
Rick: Fun with something for everyone. Hey, that rhymed!

DS: Who is your ultimate Gay icon?
Rick: Entertainment-wise? Easy. Madonna. I don’t think I need to explain. But people like Harvey Milk are my true heroes. Milk said once, “I fully realize that a person who stands for what I stand for, an activist, a gay activist, becomes the target or the potential target for a person who is insecure, terrified, afraid, or very disturbed with themselves.” He was assassinated for standing up for what was right. We owe him, and others like him, quite a debt of gratitude.

DS: Have you been recognized more around Hong Kong since winning Mr. Gay Hong Kong?
Rick: Yes. The best was when I was at Elements one afternoon, and two older, upper class, straight white women ran over to tell me they had voted for me online. That really made my day!

DS: As you’ll be competing in Oslo, Norway for the 2010 Mr Gay World, how do you intend to be a credible representative for Hong Kong?
Rick: What defines “credible?” All I can be is myself. I’d like to think I’m honest, smart, reasonably witty, and willing to learn from my mistakes. Beyond that, I will go to Oslo with all that Hong Kong has taught me since I moved here in 2005. I feel I have a good understanding of its culture, its history and its hopes for the future.

DS: A few regional questions to test your knowledge of Hong Kong…

DS: What is your favourite Dim Sum dish?
Rick: Joe Lam, of course! LOL. Honestly, though, I like 鹹水角(haam Sui Gok). I love that it’s sweet, crispy, salty and chewy, all in one dumpling. I really like 鍋貼 (potstickers) too, but I don’t think they are considered traditional Cantonese dim sum.

DS: What does the Cantonese word ‘Gweilo’ mean?
Rick: In Japan, it’s “gaijin,” in Mexico, it’s ‘gringo.” We have similar expressions in America, like “cracker, honky.” All words describing white people or foreigners. Literally, I believe Gweilo means white ghost or foreign devil.

DS: What would you say are the 5 most interesting places of leisure to visit in Hong Kong?
Rick: 1. Any number of hiking options, though I like Lion’s Rock or trekking up to the Big Buddha the best. 2. A romantic dinner at The Peak while watching the city light up. 3. The Bliss Spa at the W Hotel. 4. Shopping, shopping, shopping 5. My couch, drinking wine with my boyfriend, watching a movie. (that last one isn’t in any of the tourist brochures…at least I hope not).

DS: Hong Kong is often described as the convergence of eastern and western cultures. What do you think the two have learned from each other to become uniquely Hong Kong?
Rick: Tolerance. I’ve lived in a lot of major cities, including Tokyo, New York, Paris and Los Angeles. The biggest reason I’m proud to call HK my adoptive home is that people of different races CAN live, work and play as one community here. This diversity enriches Hong Kong’s culture and enhances its reputation as a unique and international city.

DS: Have you looked ahead to see how Mr Gay World is set-up? For Mr Gay Hong Kong there were 3 rounds; Sportswear, Swimwear and Formal Wear with a Final Interview. Do you know what the Mr Gay World pageant has in store?
Rick: I don’t like to over-prepare. Thinking about things too much makes me nervous. I work best under pressure. I know there will be a similar format, but with more preliminary interviews and such leading up to the actual show.

DS: Any tips for the 2010 Mr. Gay Hong Kong candidates?
Rick: Be proud, be strong, stand by your principles, but be willing to learn. Most of all…just be you.