Byron Adu  (25) is from Australia and is representing Australia in Worldwide Mr. Gay 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

AUSTRALIA

Name: BYRON ADU

Age: 24

Hobbies: Reading, keeping fit, politics, music, dancing

Profession: Investigation Officer with the Federal Australian Government

My role model: I find it difficult to have somebody I don’t know as my role model: I think it is difficult to think of somebody as a role model unless you actually know the person. The only role model I have is my mother. She has done such an incredible job raising me into the proud, gay man that I am. Without her love, support and strength of character, I wouldn't be the person I am today!

I admire, respect and appreciate the actions of the people that participated in the Stonewall Riots at the Stonewall Inn in June 1969. This incident is widely cited as the first real, aggressive, public stand gay people took against the repressive, barbaric and discriminatory treatment of homosexual people in society. While I generally do not think violence is a way to solve a problem, I think that in the case of the Stonewall Riots, such action was necessary. I believe the people involved in the Stonewall Riots required so much courage and strength to stand up for what they > believed in. In my opinion, this incident was THE catalyst for the progression of gay rights in our society. I think we still have a long way to go in recognition of gay people, but I strongly believe that if the Stonewall Riots hadn't happened, we - as gay people - wouldn't be where we are today.

Dream date: I like the simple things in life and I love the beach. My ideal date would be for my partner and I to have a seafood feast sitting on a beach with nobody else around and watching the sun set. Then at night, lying on the sand gazing at the stars and falling asleep.

Favorite moment in life: I have had so many amazing, wonderful experiences, that it is difficult for me to identify or specify one particular moment. I have great memories of love and support from family and friends when I first came out, and I will always treasure that.

I am a bit of a political geek, and a recent favorite life moment for me was when Barack Obama won the U.S Presidential Election in November 2008. I had followed Barack throughout the campaign, and so strongly believed that if he were to become President, it would be a significant step forward in terms of social cohesion and acceptance. It has been a long time since somebody has captured the world's attention in a way that President Obama has; his campaign brought people together, across borders, races, religions and sexualities. When Obama won the election, it was surreal for me, and isdefinitely one of my favorite moments in life.

Zodiac: Gemini

Marital status: I am in love with the most amazing man in the world!

Statement: Participating in the Worldwide Mr. Gay competition is such an important event in my life. I believe strongly in representing a positive image of the gay community and reflecting the diversity of our culture.

I believe that by becoming the Mr Gay World Ambassador, I would be provided with the opportunity to reflect these representations that are so important to me. I have a focus and drive, honest, genuine and grounded nature and committment to all activites I undertake. I would hope these are skills that the Worldwide Mr. Gay World should also have.

The position of Worldwide Mr. Gay would also allow me to bring light and attention to a cause I feel so passionately about; recognition of equal rights for gay people globally, and acknowledging the struggles our brothers are experiencing in bringing this to fruition.