Organisers have announced that the upcoming Mr. Gay World contest to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 4-8 April 2012, will for the first time see four finalists from Africa taking to the stage, despite homosexuality being illegal in 38 African countries. The delegates representing Africa are Robel Gizaw Hailu from Ethiopia, Wendelinus Hamutenya from Namibia, Lance Weyer from South Africa and Taurai Zhanje from Zimbabwe. Africa director for Mr. Gay World, Coenie Kukkuk said, "It's a major development. It's the first time that black Africans will participate, which sends out a powerful message of hope to LGBTI [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex] people in Africa. A message that there are role models and that one can live as a successful and open LGBTI person".
