Leonard Kodie Macayan, an advertising executive from Quezon City, won the Mr. Gay World 2020 title in a virtual final show that emanated from Knysna, South Africa, scoring a back to back victory by succeeding compatriot Janjep Carlos of Cavite, who won in 2019.
The international pageant for gay men that campaigns for equal rights and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community was postponed last year because of the pandemic.
Kodie is the third Filipino overall to win the crown after Carlos and “I Am Pogay” 2014 grand winner John Raspado who won as Mr. Gay World 2017 in Maspalomas, Spain.
Kodie was a wildcard finalist in “I am Pogay.” He won the Mr. Fahrenheit contest on his third attempt to earn his ticket to the Mr. Gay World 2020 finals.
When asked the final question on what three qualities a Mr. Gay World should possess, Kodie expounded on having grit (courage), heart (compassion) and mind (right mindset).
Kodie also won five other awards: Best National Costume, Best Personal Interview, Best Social Media Presence, Best in Formal Wear and Viewers’ Choice.
Kodie, who is also into drawing, illustrations and singing, topped nine finalists worldwide, including first runner-up Marek Piekarczyk from Poland and second runner-up Vicente Miron from Mexico.
During his victory speech, Kodie thanked national director (and the first Mr. Gay World Philippines) Wilbert Tolentino and his team of pageant mentors from Kagandahang Flores led by Rodgil Flores.
Moved online this year due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the competitions were streamed via the Mr. Gay World Youtube channel and included pre-recorded pieces from all delegates as well as visuals from areas across the host country South Africa.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gay World 2021 will also be held virtually on Oct 23 (preliminary show) and October 30 (finale) with Mr. Gay World Philippines 2021 Joel Carcasona, a registered nurse from Cebu, competing and aiming for a three-peat.
Macayan will reign consecutively with the Mr. Gay World 2021 winner, making it the first time in history that two Mr. Gay World titleholders will reign at the same time.
