Congrats Benjamin!

29-year-old Sydneysider Benjamin Michael has been selected as our home-grown candidate to represent Australia in the coveted Mr. Gay World contest, Same Same can now reveal.

The annual pageant is taking place in Johannesburg next month, after hot South African contestant Francios Nel won it last year.

The buff model and actor is currently studying to be a TV producer, says he loves the outdoors and is a keen snowboarder.

“I am very proud and feel very lucky to be able to represent Australia in the Mr. Gay World competition,” he tells Same Same. “It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of new friends from around the world and show them a little bit of what us Aussie boys are like,” he winks.

Activities planned during the Mr. Gay World competition include a drive with game rangers in safari vehicles, a sports challenge, panel interviews, a visit to the Apartheid Museum, and a whole lot of amazing activities that truly show off South Africa as ‘the rainbow nation’, along with charity activities which help the local community.

“Apart from making new friends I’m looking forward to the different challenges we are doing,” says our eager Aussie. “Going on safari and spending a day on an obstacle course really appeal to my adventurous side and going to help disadvantaged children will be amazing for me to be able to contribute to kids lives, even if just to make them smile for the day. I have never done anything like this before and I’m very excited.

“I really hope that I can do us proud and this competition has made me more aware of the community groups here who need our help in making the lives of people who are struggling in many different areas of their lives better.”

Being an ambassador for Australia’s gay citizens is a big weight on his shoulders but he appears to have the right attitude. “I hope that I can show them some of our Aussie spirit,” he enthuses.

“We have a great reputation of being easy going, fun loving and genuine people and I won’t let us down.”

Find out more here about the Mr. Gay World contest, which happens on April 4-8 in Johannesburg.