Mr Gay New Zealand finalist focusses campaign on LGBT homelessness
A finalist in the Mr Gay New Zealand competition has focussed his campaign on LGBT homelessness.
The 2017 hopeful, Cody Jarvie, wants to shine a light on homelessness within the community.
Now in the final, Jarvie has said he wanted to be a role model by entering the competition and that he hopes to shine a light on good causes.
Speaking to the NZ Herald, he said he was “very excited” to be one of ten finalists in the competition.
From Rotorua, the bartender and entrepreneur says: “We have a small LGBT community in Rotorua but we have a big heart.”
“I want to get Rotorua to back me as much as I can. I hope that it gives others the confidence to enter.”
Of focussing any attention onto LGBT homelessness, Jarvie says: “It’s something I feel strongly about and it’s a growing epidemic.”
The event’s producer Matt Fistonich tells the Herald that the event is intended to reach out to LGBT youth.
“This isn’t a beauty contest, it’s about community outreach, engagement, about mana, public speaking and the finalists’ leadership skills.”
As part of the competition the finalists are expected to raise funds for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.
“Cody is great. He cares about homelessness which is disproportionate amongst LGBT youth. He also stands up for rainbow youth issues such as body image.”
The winner of Mr Gay NZ would represent the country at the Mr Gay World competition in Madrid in 2018.
Votes are open in Mr Gay NZ here.
