On Saturday evening, 35-year-old Imran Nawaz from Rijkevorsel (Antwerp Province) was elected as Mister Gay Belgium 2024. The secondary school teacher succeeds Maarten Truijen. Another secondary school teacher Tim Lengeler (35) from Asse (Flemish Brabant) came second. Architect Jonathan Tilburghs (34) from Antwerp was third.
Over 90 men applied for the title of Mister Gay Belgium 2024. 12 finalists were selected who over the past few months followed an intensive programme of workshops. They were then allowed to campaign on a theme of their choice.
During a 3-hour show at PLAY Zuid in Antwerp on Saturday night, a winner was chosen. In a series of parades, interviews and debates, the participants had to show the best of themselves. Lgbtqi+ topics were discussed. There were musical acts and there was room for art with a message
At the end of the evening, Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever announced the winner. Imran Nawaz was handed the Mister Gay 2004 sash by Mayor De Wever, who also gave Nawaz three kisses. ‘I’m glad that at least somebody can start their reign,’ the former formateur joked.
Connecting Lgbtqi+ and faith
Imran Nawaz is originally from Hasselt but now lives in Rijkevorsel(Antwerp). He teaches history and religion at secondary school. His campaign centred on the theme of ‘Lgbtqi+ and religion’. Partly from his own experience and his cultural background, he experienced how difficult it can be to connect Lgbtqi+ and religion. He now wants to make it easier to discuss the topic, especially in schools.
Nawaz also wants to engage in dialogue with various spiritual leaders and to build bridges between different faith communities. He is hoping to meet Pope Francis in person during his visit to Belgium in September.
‘Fight for rights is not over’
This was the tenth time already that the Mister Gay Belgium organisation went in search of a man with charisma, a strong personality and, above all, an ambassador and role model for the lgbtqi+ community. Organiser Bram Bierkens stresses the importance of the pageant.
‘The fight for Lgbtqi+ rights is far from over, especially on an international level. We see worrying developments. In more than 70 countries, people still risk imprisonment or even the death penalty because of their homosexuality. Moreover, not far from us, rights that have been acquired are being curtailed. We must remain vigilant and continue to oppose these injustices.’