Bart Hesters is new Mister Gay Belgium

Bart Hesters, a 32-year-old nurse from Lochristi, East Flanders, has won this year’s Mister Gay Belgium. He’ll serve as an ambassador to and spokesperson for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community for the next 12 months. Hesters defeated 11 other contenders and will succeed Jaimie Deblieck, last year’s winner.

Although Mister Gay Belgium features traditional beauty contest elements like a swimwear parade, all the participants are also required to campaign on a particular theme in the run-up to the contest. Hesters convinced the jury with a campaign focused on LGBT residents in residential care centres and with his strong performance on stage during the question round.

Hesters (pictured) told Zizo-online, a local news site aimed at LGBT readers, that he thought his age would be a stumbling block to the jury, which included Zuhal Demir, federal secretary of state for equal opportunities.

“I always thought I was a little too old to win, but in the end that was also a little my motivation to compete,” he said. “I came out of the closet 10 years ago, I also work in the healthcare sector and I try to integrate this life experience into my campaign.”

Hesters will represent Belgium in the Mister Gay World competition in Hong Kong next May.  

Photo: vrtnws.be