TV presenter Louw Breytenbach, of Boksburg, took home the Mr Gay World South Africa 2021 crown.
The pageant was held on May 21 at The Galleria Conference & Events Venue in Sandton, where 12 contestants aged between 19 and 40 were vying for the title.
The 31-year-old founder of LALT House of Growth (HOG), also a mental health activist and social media influencer, said he entered the competition to raise mental health awareness, adding that his new platform will allow him the opportunity to draw attention to mental health.
“It felt like a movie, a mixture of disbelief and excitement ran through my veins. The other contestants were amazing and they all stood a good chance to win, which is why I still can’t believe that I walked away with the title,” said the newly crowned Mr Gay World SA.
“Mr Gay World South Africa is beauty with a purpose competition. It’s about what you can do for your community. “I would also like to thank Mr Gay World SA, my parents and those who supported me throughout the competition.”
Breytenbach will also represent South Africa in the Mr Gay World pageant in September, where he will compete against other titleholders from across the world.
Mental Health
According to Breytenbach, statistics shows that members of the LGBTIQA+ are two times more likely to take their own lives.
“At LALT we strive to make people aware of the importance of mental health. We recently started our annual Gate of Hope project for 2021,” he said.
To take part in this year’s mental health awareness, community members are encouraged to tie a green ribbon on the gate of the theatre house cocated at 20 Bartlett Road in Beyers Park. The public can also tie a gold ribbon to honour those lost to suicide. The campaign will run until the end of October.
For more information on the awareness campaign, members of the public can contact Breytenbach by email: [email protected]
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