Canadians are no strangers to the frigid temperatures the winter months bring. As the cold air begins to creep in, we are reminded that it is almost officially winter. This means WinterPRIDE is getting closer, and in just a few short months Mr. Gay Canada will be named!

WinterPRIDE will host the Mr. Gay Canada (MGC) competition in Whistler, BC from February 5th to 8th, 2013. The competition will find an ambassador to represent Canada in the annual Mr. Gay World competition held in Antwerp, Belgium in August of 2013. The ideal candidate will be able to comfortably speak publicly on issues pertaining to gay rights and equality around the world. MGC must be charismatic, confident and articulate.

The competition will be vigorous, fun and intense, including things such as: photo challenges, sports challenges, fashion show/runway challenges, swimsuit challenges and public speaking.  One activity that is most boast-worthy and exciting is that MGC candidates will be able to work with a local charity to give back to the community that is hosting the competition. The candidates will definitely need all their energy to get through these three days!

The MGC competition is a great way for men aged 21 or older, to expand their knowledge, and their experience. The passionate group of candidates will likely be future leaders, and role models within their own communities, and the world as a whole.

The ideal candidate is someone who lives to have fun, to inform, to nurture others and to spark positive change within their communities.  Young men need to be proud of their identity, to feel empowered as individuals, and to learn how to cope in the face of adversity with issues such as bullying, self-acceptance and spreading safe sex awareness.  Candidates for MGC hope to spread this message of empowerment, and to create a positive image for young gay Canadians.

The Canadian LGBT community is filled with so many shining stars.  It will be exciting to see the MGC competition underway, and find out which candidate outshines the rest.