Troy Michael Smith, a fervent advocate for mental health within the LGBTQIA+ community, emerged victorious at the Mr Gay World 2023 pageant, held on Friday. Smith, hailing from Guam but residing in Alaska, surpassed ten international contenders to claim the coveted title. Notably, Australian Dion Alexander secured the position of second runner-up.
Troy Michael Smith: A Champion for LGBTQIA+ Mental Health At the Mr Gay World 2023 ceremony, Troy Michael Smith, aged 36, stood as a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ individuals battling mental health issues. Smith, who now resides in Alaska, is celebrated for his relentless campaign for mental health awareness and suicide prevention within the LGBTQIA+ community. In his victory speech, he emphasized the importance of addressing the high suicide rate among LGBTQIA+ individuals, stating, “It’s just a blessing that I was able to express my message to all the judges and my fellow contestants about suicide prevention and what we can do to help lower that high statistic within the LGBTQIA+ community specifically.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Smith expressed feeling “incredible” after his win, highlighting the global unity among contestants in advocating for various causes close to their hearts.
Australians Shine: Dion Alexander’s Remarkable Journey Among the remarkable contestants at Mr Gay World 2023, Dion Alexander, a proud Australian, achieved the position of second runner-up. Dion Alexander, who had previously secured the title of Mr Gay Pride Australia in November, celebrated Troy Michael Smith’s win on Instagram, writing, “I honestly can’t think of anyone else who will do all us delegates and our community proud.” Alexander is a dedicated member of the Rainbow Swans, the LGBTQIA+ supporter group affiliated with the Sydney Swans AFL team. He used the global platform of the competition to highlight his advocacy work in ending homophobia in sports, a message that resonated strongly with fellow delegates. Alexander reflected, “I was surprised how well my message to end homophobia in sport was received by the other delegates and how supportive they all are to help me realize change in this space.”
As Mr Gay World 2023 celebrates Troy Michael Smith’s victory and the impactful journey of Dion Alexander, it reaffirms the importance of LGBTQIA+ voices and advocacy on the global stage. Smith’s dedication to mental health and Alexander’s commitment to ending homophobia in sports serve as powerful reminders of the transformative impact individuals can have on the community’s well-being and acceptance.
