Hong Kong, China, November 17th, 2009- Rick Twombley, an American citizen who is a permanent resident in Hong Kong, looks to make history as the first-ever Mr. Gay Hong Kong. The winner of this competition will be flown to compete in the Mr. Gay World Competition in Oslo, Norway in 2010.

Twombley is a professional dancer and aerialist who has resided in Hong Kong since 2005. Twombley feels he brings a unique perspective to the competition, with his ability to represent not just one, but two nations at the world platform in Oslo.

Twombley is a huge advocate of changing the world’s perception of the gay community. It is crucial to him to show the world that “homosexuality is a normal and valid lifestyle and people in gay relationships deserve just as much consideration and respect as straight couples. This is of course a huge issue in the states right now…especially with what happened recently in Maine.” That is why Twombley feels extra motivated, as an American national, to make it to the world competition in Norway to speak on behalf of both his country of origin AND his adoptive home, Hong Kong. He believes he’s a good poster child for this issue, as Twombley has been in an extremely healthy and monogamous relationship for several years.

Twombley is also excited with the huge step forward Hong Kong has taken by hosting a Mr. Gay competition. “The national (and international) coverage will start to change the Chinese traditionalist perception that homosexuality should be accepted, but kept in the shadows,” Twombley said. “I’m ready to be at the forefront of that change.”

The Mr. Gay Hong Kong competition has already garnered media attention from across Asia, including CNNgo.com and the South China Morning Post.

The Grand Finale for the Mr. Gay Hong Kong Competition will be held on November 28th. The contestants will go head to head in swimsuit, sportswear, formal wear and interview categories. Judges will look for physical fitness, charisma and confidence. Part of the judging will also come from the results of online voting by the public.

Please go online and vote for “Rick” to be an international representative in the fight for equality and human rights at :

www.manasiaproductions.com/page14.php

ARTICLE AND IMAGES FROM A MANASIA PRODUCTIONS EMAIL PRESS RELEASE