Write a commentThe Newry Rainbow Community is hoping they have the formula for success at the Mr Gay Ireland Contest 2010 after selecting science graduate, Blaine Whitley as this year’s Mr Gay Newry.
The Passion monthly gay night at the Brass Monkey was filled to capacity for the regional heat, now the social highlight of the city’s gay calendar on Saturday night.
It turned out to be second time lucky for 23-year-old Blaine, a study director at Norbrook Laboratories, who was narrowly pipped to-the-post in last year’s heat.
Describing himself as ‘a down to earth guy’, he won the votes of the judging panel of former winners and the audience alike, beating six other eager contenders from as far away as Dungannon. Accepting his prize Blaine, whose interests include cycling, wildlife and playing guitar and flute, promised to use his year as Mr Gay Newry to promote gay issues. Current Mr Gay Poland Kamil Szmerdt was special guest for the event, presenting the winner with his trophy and passing on words of wisdom.
“Blaine is a very handsome young man with a great personality to match,” said Kamil. “He is very popular and I am sure he will do very well in the final.” Blaine will represent Newry City at the Mr Gay Ireland competition in Dublin on October 25. “I’m really honoured that Newry’s gay community have chosen me to represent them at such a prestigious event,” he said afterwards. “It is a daunting task but I’m happy to take it on and I’m determined to represent Newry as well as I can.” Meanwhile Passion regular Gemma Bavisi was named Miss Gay Newry 2010. The 24-year-old customer service representative from Newry was the firm favourite of judges throughout the competition. Her loyal following erupted into cheers as she was awarded her winner’s bouquet and trophy. “My friends coerced me into entering, I thought it would be a bit of fun, but I never thought I would win. I’m absolutely gob smacked,” said an elated Gemma.
NRC Chairman Wes McCullough said he was delighted such popular winners had taken the Mr and Miss Gay Newry titles. “We had guys entering our Mr Gay Newry heat from Dungannon, Lurgan and Banbridge, each one of them giving a great interview.”
“The Passion Gay Night and Mr Gay Newry competition is growing in popularity each year and its reputation for providing a great night out is spreading across Northern Ireland,” he said. “Newry’s gay community is gaining confidence all the time and this year we will also be entering a float in Belfast Pride for the second year running. “Mr Gay Ireland is a huge challenge but I am confident Blaine will do great and Newry Rainbow Community will be there to support him all the way.”
After Blaine won the Mr Gay Newry Title Brian Merriman, Executive Producer of Mr Gay Ireland and the other Judges, who have the final say on the winner of the heats decided that, with such good competition entrants coming from other towns that titles would also be awarded to the representatives from the Three other towns.
Brian was delighted with everything about Passion. He enjoyed the music, the safe environment and the wide range of people that came along. He was delighted he made the trip up from the Dublin Pride Parade to help host the contest and was very pleased that Passion being self funded and run by volunteers can still bring in a great crowd from around Northern Ireland and pull of a great nights entertainment. He praised the Newry Rainbow Community and described Passion as the foundation of a more understanding Ireland, a place where everyone is welcome and every culture is respected.
