That’s “Mister,” To You
No one knows who penned it, but he put pen to paper and wrote “Roma, which delighted in making love from behind, spelled ‘Amor’ — love — by inverting its own name.” Etymologically, this is debatable. But before or since there has never been a better reason to visit Rome.
Except for maybe this: From August 7 – 12, the Eternal City hosts the 2012 Mr. Gay Europe competition.
But before you think this the Airheaded Himbos of Europe Expo, think again. Being handsome is serious business. Drawing in delegates from the far corners of the continent — Ireland to Malta, France to Turkey — the 15 contestants (with more to come as individual pageants conclude in participating countries) have to weather a personal interview, written test, five “practical tasks,” a Q&A, sports challenge, stage performance, plus competitions for talent, congeniality, photogenics, and the dreaded — but mandatory — swimsuit. Winners go on to the final Mr. Gay World competition in Antwerp, Belgium. And that’s when the claws really come out…
What does it take to win? Unlike a lot of contests, age isn’t a factor; this year’s contestant from Switzerland is 43. Judges instead look for a charming, poised, and honorable man who is young at heart and who shows an interest in the world and people around him; one who displays patience, has a sympathetic and considerate nature; a person who will not be frightened by change, or things and people different from his own frame of reference, experience or cultural background; and, finally, a lack of arrogance.
Not to be cynical, but you can see right off how quickly the herd can get thinned.
All the events in Rome take place at Gay Village, a 6.5 hectare site in the city commandeered into an outdoor entertainment fangaysia with bars, dance floors, an open-air gym, an exhibition space and an outdoor cinemaplex (and is, FYI, open right through the Mr. Gay Europe competition and on into September). This is a classic example of cramming every possible gay-themed event that you can think of into the time allotted. The real irony? This is isn’t even Rome’s Gay Pride event; that was back in June. Even as pageant contestants go head to head (ahem) on stage, spectators can wander off and get swept up in a veritable Mediterranean flesh-fest pulsating to the beats of some of the best DJs on Earth.
Steele Luxury Travel can assist you in planning a Dolce Vita vacation in Italia! Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.steeletravel.com for more information!