Being new to the Philly area, I would provide fresh input and ideas to help the GLBT community thrive. I love the community and the people that make up the community that makes Philly such a great place to live. Help to reach to all of Philly to make everyone more aware of our need to equality and right; a freedom we all deserve.

I’m a well-rounded, educated individual, with ties in the gay community through one of its pinnacle establishments. This gives me the ability to understand and work with many different parts of gay life in Philadelphia.

My favorite part of gay life in Philly is the communal environment that the gayborhood promotes. With so many establishments so close together, going from one to the next with friends to pick your preferred dinner and evening venues is convenient and fun.

I would like to see the gay establishments in Philadelphia plan more shared events – the gayborhood can’t prosper only in part. We need to find ways to get larger and new parts of the community involved in the gay scene here as a whole, and to make sure those opportunities are rewarding to different types of people.

As the returning Mr. Gay Stir and last years Mr. Gay Congeniality, I am very excited to be part of the contest again this year. I would make a great Mr. Gay because I am BOLD, FEARLESS, AND OPINIONATED, much like the city of Philadelphia. Not to mention I am the fiercest Voguer, Philadelphia has ever seen…. P.S… THAT IS A CHALLENGE TO ALL :)

I love the gay community in Philadelphia because I start at Stir for cocktails, appreciate the piano bar at tavern, good calorie burning on Woodys dance floor, continue the dancing at Voyeur, have a slice at Gay pizza, and if I am feeling really fat, I head to Mid-Town diner.

I would like to initiate more conversations and open forums around racism, sexism, ageism and transphobia in the LGBTQ community. If we ever wish to have complete Equality in this country, I believe that we need to work on ending all oppression. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

I would make a good Mr. Gay Philly because I have been a resident of philly for the past 12yrs and I have gotten to know a great deal of people over the years. If u ask anybody who knows me they always have something nice to say. With that being said I would represent Philly well.

I got my first introduction to the gay community when Bill Wood gave me my first opportunity to work at his first establishment as a barback at the bar everyone knows as “Woodys” the gay Cheers bar of Philadelphia. At that time I was working a chef at a White Manor Country Club. I would work 50 plus hrs there and in my spare time would fill in any shifts that were available. All of my co-workers, (friends) always knew they could count on me. Since then I have worked on in such establishments such Pure thanks to Tre Rios. (My friend and confidant) and Knock as Bill Wood gave me another opportunity to work as a line chef. I also got my first opportunity to pursue a career in personal training thanks to encouragement from my friends Jeff Shablin, Yul Giraldo and Dominic Galleli to join their training team “Optimal Wellness”. I am grateful to all who helped me along the way.

My favorite part of gay philly is the nightlife. I love all the restaurants, bars and the people who inhabit them. If I run in to people I know out-n-about they always know that I will either say hello or run up and give out hugs. I love the comradery of gay philly.

As Mr. Gay Philadelphia I would like to accomplish a better sense of fitness in the city. I would love encourage more group fitness and life coaching for those that are uniformed or timid of physical fitness. I would love to put together nutrition seminars and educate people how simple cooking nutritionally can be easy and fun at the same time.

Mr. Gay Philly should be an influential, out going person that can represent the community with pride and respect. I feel with my out going personality, humor, and intellect I would foster a positive message while having fun.

When I relocated to Philadelphia 18 mos ago, I knew no one in the city and had only visited the area once. After only a few months of being in the area, I met an amazing group of friends which has grown into what I now call my family. The area has so much to offer and the people here have made my transition easier and I’m proud to now call Philadelphia my home.

There are many challenges being faced by the LGBT community. While great progress has been made over the last few years, there is still lots of work that must be done. As Mr. Gay Philly, I would like to go forth with the message of awareness, acceptance and equality for the LGBT community, both locally and nationally. Also…world peace! Ha ha

I would make a good Mr. Philly because I would represent all gay people everywhere, Philly obviously first. I would represent all gay people,with a all of the following things – Intensity ,Integrity,Intelligence,Respect,Honor and all of but a beautiful style. I would do so regardless win or loose. I’m going to represent as Mr.Gay Shampoo at Mr.Gay Philly, and if it be in the decision of the judges that I’m the winner I will represent at Mr.Gay USA. That’s why I would make a great Mr.Gay Philly.

My favorite part of gay Philadelphia is the night life and the great people I meet when I go out to the clubs and or restaurants around Philly. Just nice to be around people that love to have fun and laugh. I like going to club Shampoo, 12th Air Command, Woody’s and Club Voyeur. If there is one thing gay Philly knows how to do it’s sure as hell have fun/dance/laugh.

If I win Mr.Gay Philadelphia, I would like to accomplish giving my acting career and modeling career a huge boost, with the people involved in producing Mr.Gay Philly contest. I would also help all that supported me all the way through. I would love the opportunity to pose for some gay magazines, as well as calendars/posters,as well tv Shows. I would also Fight for gay rights in Pennsylvania and after everywhere else,one step at a time nonetheless. Being Mr.Gay Philadelphia is a privilege and an honor and should I win, I will do all I said and more. All the things that I promised to Gay people in Philly will be done first. I will worry about me second because I am a true and genuine man of my word.

I think I would make a great Mr. Gay Philadelphia, because I am positive and friendly person to everyone that lives in our community or even if they are just visiting. I am person that is comfortable being in my own skin and for me that is really important in representing our community.

I love how I can venture to Venture Inn to visit my favorite bartender, Henry, not even have to knock at KNOCK, because Barry is there to greet and open the door for me, or there is no question for me to go to Q for one of their themed nights.

I would hope to spread awareness for our culture here in Philadelphia to all communities here in the States and other countries. I would like to make aware of the issues that effect us as a community such as HIV/AIDS and gay marriage. My main goal is to educate all people about what it is to be gay.

I would make a great Mr. Gay Philly because I have been active in the gay community since my coming out during freshman year at college. I was the treasurer of the newly founded organization F.U.S.E. (Foundation of Undergraduates for Sexually Equality). We promoted acceptance, understanding, unity, and empowerment among the LGBTQ community. Currently, I am a graduating senior in college and have been active in the gay community for the last 5 years. This includes enjoying the festivities during Philadelphia gay pride and other Equality Forum events. I have been bartending for two years, starting at 12th Air Command and now at Woody’s, which has provided me with the pleasure of meeting many new people and creating new friendships.

The best part about gay Philadelphia is the diversity despite the small community size. While gay Philadelphia may have a small neighborhood, there are a variety of businesses, restaurants, and bars that are gay-friendly. Although there are many different locations in the Philadelphia Gay Community, there is a sense of belonging and comfort in the intimate circle of friends most have formed at their favorite venues. In contrast to other major cities, the atmosphere at Gay Philadelphia is welcoming and friendly, and most will agree the small community helps form friendships that last many years.

As Mr. Gay Philadelphia, I would like to see myself become more active in the gay community be it through events, fundraisers, and promoting what the Gay Philadelphia community has to offer. I would like to promote awareness of the different services gay Philadelphia has to offer to those new to the community. I am currently active in the Philadelphia community through volunteer work and school. I would love to continue my efforts after graduation by helping not only the gay community but also the community as a whole.

I am a positive influence, I can teach others to give back to the community, as well as themselves.

I Love the way how the community pulls together, and volunteers, whether it be for fundraising for the cure for aids, and aids awareness, breast cancer, or even counseling for young and older gays who are frightened by their surroundings to come out and admit who they are, the way how the community comes together in the areas that matter most is truly inspiring.

I would definitely continue to do my part of giving back to the community, by volunteering, teach a free fitness class, share healthy diet and exercise tips, and help everyone as much as I can to believe in themselves, and that you don’t always need that drink in your hand to go out and have fun.

I think I’d make a good Mr Gay Philadelphia because of who I am and what I am about. I feel like the title should belong to someone who represents gay Philadelphia. Someone who everyone knows, who is accessible and fun. Someone who will push the envelope as far as what this contest and title can do for gay Philadelphia. Someone who will use this platform to demonstrate why Philadelphia is a great place to be. I think it is important to remember that we are fortunate to be able to have this competition. I was just recently reading about the Mr Gay China competition being raided by the Beijing Police. I think its easy to forget that not everyone is afforded the freedom we are.

I’d have to say my favorite part of gay Philadelphia is the small town feeling we have. Philadelphia is an enormous city but as far as small independent businesses I think we maintain a more personal experience. Hanging out at the local bars or clubs here, you’re not just an anonymous face in the crowd. The restaurant I’m representing, Darling’s Diner in the Piazza, is an amazing small local business owned by three brothers. The gym I go to, Optimal, is another incredible locally owned business that gives you that personalized feeling.

As Mr Gay Philadelphia, I would like to broaden the appeal and audience of this competition. I think a lot of people have the wrong idea of what and who this competition is about. I am in this competition to show that you don’t have to be a personal trainer or a bar tender to win. I am a typical guy that has interests and tastes that extend beyond the club. Seeing a Sgt. Sass show at Silk City or a Justice Concert at the Electric Factory.

My favorite part of gay Philly are the people! Philadelphia has a great gay community and I’m proud to be a part of it.

As Mr. Gay Philly I’d like to get more involved in the LGBT community and offer my hardwork and support where needed. I’d also like to be a positive role model for my peers in both the gay and straight community.