Photo by Nicolas Quiazua
Montrealers sure know how to have a gay old time: In partnership with Montréal Pride, Tourisme Montréal is celebrating its third annual "Queer of the Year" contest, in which LGBT folks from all over the globe apply to be that featured fun-seeker who knows how to have fun, be an upstanding community member, mug for the camera, and show the us queers what it means to have personality.
Apparently, having personality being getting soaked in Poutine gravy (see the video below, seriously), among other things: The contestants appeared all over Montréal Pride last week and have been featured in shameless videos and photoshoots to try and win get YOUR votes as most fierce (voting closes August 28). Check out the photos, interviews, and videos of each contestant and, with their charm and personality in mind (not abs!) decide which one you think should win!
Clearly, there is money involved (why else would you agree to appear in a "Sexy Gravy Photoshoot"?): The winner gets a free round-trip flight from Air Canada and three free nights at Hotel Le Germain in Montréal and $5,000 CAD in spending cash. The four runners-up will receive a $1,000 CAD cash prize.
The contestants are:
Caleb Judy (Connecticut, United States) a.k.a., Son of a preacher man
With a Masters in Biomedical Anthropology and a pro sign language interpreter, Mr. Judy is "tall, handsome, fit and selfless."
Topher McFarlane (Ontario, Canada) a.k.a., The Glamazon
This guy "brings down walls and connects people.” No, it’s not Bob the Builder – it’s Topher McFarlane: stand-up comic and drag show organizer.
Ivette Gonzalez-Ale (Brooklyn, United States) a.k.a., Brooklyn Badass.
"This Cuban-Mexican bombshell of a finalist feels just as home on the dance floor as she does at…home."
Shane Jenek (Sydney, Australia) a.k.a., Down Under Diva
This Aussi loves yoga, and is "sometimes a she: Shane Jenek is also know as Courtney Act, a 30-year old fabulous gender illusionist and pop singer."
And finally:
Peter Picciano (Palm Beach, United States) a.k.a., Muscles
"With abs to kill for and a magnetic personality, our fifth finalist makes friends easily."
You can get to know all of these zany folks better on the contest Facebook page, where you can also vote. Below is, as promised, Sexy Gravy.
