Israeli Wins Mr Gay International Crown

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA – A competitor from Tel Aviv, Israel, Nathan Shaked, 37, is the new Mr. Gay International after two days of competition in Palm Springs.
Prizes include a modeling contract, a Caribbean cruise and a trip to Puerto Vallarta.
Shaked assumed the title from last year’s winner, Jesse Basham of the United States.
This is the second consecutive year that the competition has been held in Palm Springs, according to a release from organizers.
During U.S. competition Friday night, Grant Ermis of Sacramento was named Mr. USA. Mr. Anchorage, Jared Watson, won Mr. Congeniality.
Ermis was first runner-up in Saturday’s international event. Joep Mesman of the Netherlands was second runner-up.
Robert Tarroza of the Phillipines won the Mr. Congeniality title.
Contestants also hailed from Australia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Vatican City and Mexico.
“Competitions such as these have been popular in Europe for years, and we’re thrilled to now have a U.S.-based component looking for the ‘boy next door’ to represent the broader gay community,” event producer Don Spradlin said in the release.
“The winner will serve as a spokesman to raise the visibility of gay men, confront homophobia and create a positive role model in his travels around the world,” Spradlin said.
from The Desert Sun