2017 has begun already which also makes it time again for the search of a new Mister Gay Belgium. The twelve contestants for 2017 are known for the public and introduced at the Press Event in February. They are eager to take over the reign and title of Mister Gay Belgium 2016 Raf Van Puymbroeck. They have their own message to bring out to the world and will show why they should be named as Mister Gay Belgium 2017 at the 27th of May in Antwerp. Time again like every year for PINK IN OUR LIVES to put all candidates separately in the spotlight and give a taste of who they are. We have met them all and they are a fine and friendly group of guys and the fifth candidate of this series of interviews will be Tim Lauwers.

Tim Lauwers is 19 years old, studying Corporate management at Thomas Moore School and is living in Kasterlee. He did his coming out in 2014 and his project is about “To Diversify Education at Schools”.

What is the reason you joined this election of Mister Gay Belgium?

“I participate with the mister gay election because our LGBT community still needs a voice. Somebody has to fight for our community. We have to make our situation very known in an early stage. I mean that the children from now are the one for the future. If they accept our community at a very young age, then they will pass this on to their children. That is why my project is diversify education at schools. I want to integrate this topic in the school lessons”.

To whom did you do your first coming out and how?

“The first person that knew was my best friend during that period. He figured it out very soon that I was gay, but I still had no clue. He was there for all my questions and worries. Not much later I told my mother, because I couldn’t keep such a secret to myself. From then on it went pretty fast.”

What does the Gay Pride mean for you and do we still need such a parade these days?

“It is a great initiative!!! Unfortunately I have never been able to enjoy a Gaypride yet. (In Antwerp I only have experienced the Closing Party). Still we definitely need something to put the LGBT community in the picture. It is for us an one-day-party to show we are proud every day for not being straight”.

What features/personality does your ideal man has to have and like which hunk does he have to look like?

“My ideal man has a beard (off course not a long one, but well-shaved and groomed). He has to be taller than me and sporty. He should take care of himself and suit up nicely. That is very important. I know it is a lot haha. You could compare him to Zac Efron a few years ago, before he got bulked up.”

What advice would you give to young gays that did not come out of the closet yet?

“Everybody should follow their heart. Everyone deserves it to be themselves. Don’t be scared of negative comments, but most importantly what matters are the persons that will support you no matter what. Those are the ones with a real heart for you.”

Short reactions on the following words/statements:

Favorite country: “Spain, Italy, Greece,….”

Donald Trump: “Big mistake, but we will see”

Your superhero(es): “My mother <3”

Fetish: “I don’t have really one yet”

Marriage or children: “Marriage”

Pink In Our Lives: “Special, but fun”

Biggest fear: “Spiders”

Boxers or briefs: “Boxers”

Great Gay Party: “54 Antwerp”

First love: “Beautiful, but short period”

Worst quality of yourself: “Insecure”

Best quality of yourself: “Caring”

Perfect hair or beautiful outfit: “Beautiful outfit”

Best Bodypart: “My teeth, my wide smile is significant for my personality”

Goal in your life: “Enjoying life”

Biggest Idol: “K3 and Beyoncé”

Breakfast in bed or dinner for 2: “Dinner for 2”

Mister Gay Belgium: “May the best win”

Thank you for your answers Tim and for letting my readers and your voters getting to know you better. You can vote for him through this link with OutTv: https://app.je/entry/53798

May the best GAY Ambassador win!!! Thank you also photographers Johan Vos, Marc Drofmans, Tom Vaes, Kevin Wuyts, Emmanuel Deprijckere, René Emmerink and Johan Cansse for the great pictures of all the candidates and www.welovemisses.be for the videos.

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Big kiss,

Lesley Middleton, owner of PINK IN OUR LIVES