From the left. to the right: Vinicius Dias, Vitor Abdalla and Paulo Renan.
They became celebrities and, today, when they look back on the past, they recognize that something has changed in their lives. Vitor Abdalla, Vinicius Dias and Paulo Renan left the Teatro Santo Agostinho, in São Paulo, differently on that night of September 6, when they were among the three winners of the first edition of the Mister Brasil Diversity competition.
"I started to be seen as a good example, as a boy who makes his people proud. Every day I receive many messages of thanks for Bahia being well represented", says Paulo Renan, 25, who came in 3rd place and won as a prize a cruise along the Brazilian coast.
The friendly Bahian believes that the contest allowed the discussion of homosexuality to be taken to other corners of Brazil. "I started to be called upon to promote campaigns for the LGBT public and traveled the country to major events. Today, I am recognized for being an open homosexual, but with a very big difference: total freedom of expression", he celebrates.
Second place in Mister Brasil Diversity, Vinicius Dias, 20, represented Acre in the competition. With a charming smile, the young man goes with his boyfriend to Buenos Aires, but before that, he remembers the gigantic impact of the event. "It was nice to receive calls and messages from friends saying they were seeing me on various websites. I was surprised by the impact the contest had! We even appeared on television", highlights Vinicius, who is preparing to leave for the capital of Buenos Aires. "Everyone says that Buenos Aires is a fantastic city, I'm going to make the most of it! I'm really looking forward to visiting a new place, drinking good wine and eating a lot of alfajor, which I love", he confesses.
In addition to winning R$5 in the competition and posing for a Editorial of the magazine The Cape, Vitor Abdalla, 22, saw his life change radically. Modest, he says that fame was not the most important thing that happened to him. For this São Paulo native from Bauru, participating in Mister Brasil Diversidade meant a collective victory, for the good of the entire Brazilian LGBT community.
Engagement
The boys give their tips for the next Mister candidates. "In addition to beauty, it is necessary to have knowledge about the legal problems that we gays face. Pay attention to issues related to our community, to be well articulated at the right time", advises Paulo Renan.
In turn, Vinicius prefers not to believe in an infallible tip, he just recommends tranquility. "This is the only time we have to introduce ourselves to the judges, so a smile on your face, confidence and a lot of calm are essential," he says.
Winner Vitor Abdalla pays attention to the personality of each candidate. "Be yourself every minute! Pay close attention to everything that has been said and trust yourself," he suggests.
Open Applications
Registration is now open for the 2011 edition of the Mister Brasil Diversity competition. The event, which is directed and produced by Augusto Rossi, will be held during the week of the São Paulo LGBT Parade, in June. Those interested in participating can send an email to augusto@ibe.com.br.
