21-Year-Old Belgian Dancer Named Mr. Gay Europe

Raf Van Puymbroeck beat out nine other finalists for the top spot.
From: NewNowNext

After becoming Mr. Gay Belgium last May, Raf Van Puymbroeck secured the title of Mr. Gay Europe earlier this month.

Tonight I will be honoured in Antwerp by temporary mayor Ludo Van Campenhout for winning Mr Gay Europe! What an honour! 🙈😁 #mrgayeurope #MGE2016 #MGB2016

A photo posted by Raf Van Puymbroeck (@rafvp) on Aug 9, 2016 at 3:23am PDT

Van Puymbroeck, 21, was crowned at the closing ceremony of the pageant this past Friday in Oppdal, Norway.

As part of the ultimate round of competition, Raf, along with nine other finalists, participated in workshops and congresses in which they were challenged to defend their worldviews in debates with journalists and politicians.

Raf, a trained dancer who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, focused on “sports and diversity” in his interviews, stressing the need for LGBT acceptance in sports.

Hiking with the finalists of Mr Gay Europe 2016! ❤️ #mrgayeurope #MGB2016 #norway

A photo posted by Raf Van Puymbroeck (@rafvp) on Aug 3, 2016 at 1:59am PDT

“The whole week has been a rollercoaster with ups and downs, but this trophy is the icing on the cake,” Raf Van Puymbroeck told reporters following the announcement that he’d been named Mr. Gay Europe.

“I want to inspire people. I want to be a role model, even at my young age.”

So thankful for everything and feeling blessed! Tomorrow is the big day! Exciteeed 😁 #mrgayeurope #MGB2016 #opdalingen #norway

A photo posted by Raf Van Puymbroeck (@rafvp) on Aug 4, 2016 at 4:34am PDT

Van Puymbroeck will now serve as an ambassador for the organization, travelling across Europe promoting LGBT inclusion in the world of sports.