Could India get its own gay pageant?

Nolan Lewis is the first Indian to make it to the top 10 of the Mr Gay World pageant which took place in Antwerp on July 31.

The Mumbai-based tarot card reader admits he's disappointed that he didn't win the top prize, but that doesn't dim his enthusiasm given the number of opportunities that have opened up for him since. 

"I'm going to be part of a coffee table book on the OutGames, which is essentially the gay version of the Olympics," Lewis reveals, adding that he's also been approached by the cruise company Amazing Cruises to be the ambassador for India. 

His biggest catch, which could also be the most controversial, is the official nomination to become the Mr Gay World pageant director in India. It would involve setting up an official Mr Gay India competition and arranging funds for candidates for the international pageants. 

"I don't want future contestants to have to struggle like I did," he explains. "But given the political and social ramifications of such a pageant, I'm still considering whether it will be possible at all."

Explaining that Mr Gay World isn't a beauty pageant so much as a hunt for gay and lesbian ambassadors to represent the community internationally, Lewis was pleasantly surprised with the reception he received upon his return. 

"I discussed the pageant with my family before actually entering it, since they would potentially face as much flak as I would," he recalls. "But I've had nothing but good reactions. In fact, some of the boys who would bully me in school for being effeminate have actually come up to congratulate me now, which is a personal victory for me."

Source: vogue.in