Mr Gay World hands title to runner-up after quitting due to ‘personal changes’
By Will Stroude
The reigning Mr Gay World has handed back his crown after just seven months, citing “personal changes” that are hindering his ability to “live up to the expectations and serve the community.”
The resignation of 21-year-old Klaus Burkart from Germany means that the runner-up from May’s competition – Emmanuel Mass Luciano, aka Mr Gay Hong Kong – will now step in to fulfill all those important, erm, duties that the community would otherwise miss out on.
Former Mr Gay World Klaus Burkhart (l) and his successor Emmanuel Mass Luciano
“I’m very sad to announce that due to personal changes in my life I will no longer be able to live up to the expectations and serve the community to the extent that the title requires to do so,” Burkart said in a statement on mrgayworld.com.
Describing his successor as a “trailblazer”, he added: “I know he will be a great representative for our community, who will put all his heart and passion into his reign.
“Please welcome Mr Gay World 2015 – Mass Luciano.”
Read Klaus’ full statement on mrgayworld.com below:
When I entered the 2015 Mr Gay World competition in South Africa I thought that becoming Mr Gay World was the biggest challenge of my life.
Indeed it is very challenging and exciting winning the title, but what is more challenging is living up to the expectations, responsibilities and duties that come along with it. Being Mr Gay World and serving the community has filled me with pride and joy. I had the opportunity to travel to different places and meet many members and friends of the LGBTI community – their positive feedback showed me that my mission had a true meaning and that the efforts of Mr Gay World are relevant and important. Facing this great experiences I’m very sad to announce that due to personal changes in my life I will no longer be able to live up to the expectations and serve the community to the extent that the title requires to do so.
This is why – with great sadness – I’m stepping down from the title Mr Gay World 2015 and making path to a trailblazer, my fellow competitor and first runner up Emmanuel Mass Luciano, Mr Gay Hong Kong. I know he will be a great representative for our community, who will put all his heart and passion into his reign. Please welcome Mr Gay World 2015 – Mass Luciano.
Yours Klaus Burkart.
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