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 third candidate of this series of interviews will be Sam Schotsmans.
Sam Schotsmans is 20 years old, a chef de parti and is living in Sint-Truiden. He did his coming out in 2015 and his project is about “Sensitization & Prevention against bullying”.
What is the reason you joined this election of Mister Gay Belgium?
“With my participation I want to become a support for the LGBT youth, to offer help to students who can’t out themselves out of fear of bullying. And of course for the great adventure.”
To whom did you do your first coming out and how?
“At first, I only came out to a few off my best friends. I wanted to be myself with them and I am very thankful that they all support me for the full 100% and are still by my side after two years.”
What does the Gay Pride mean for you and do we still need such a parade these days?
“I still link Gay pride to the Prides decades ago to raise awareness for LGBT rights and to show the rest of the people that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a different sexual orientation. Unfortunately it is now, in 2017, still necessary to bring this message to the people. And of course it’s also just a fun gathering of a strong group of people with strong stories.”
What features/personality does your ideal man has to have and like which hunk does he have to look like?
“It’s hard to describe my ideal partner with just looks. For me, my ideal partner is more someone with a strong personality and a sense of humor, someone trustworthy with a good heart. Obviously all of that would be nice in a Tom Daley shaped package for instance.”
What advice would you give to young gays that did not come out of the closet yet?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. I am the kind of person that always convinces himself that everything is OK and that I can handle everything alone, but that is far from true. nobody is alone and nobody has to process that burden by themselves.”
Short reactions on the following words/statements:
Favorite country: “In terms of gay-rights, environment, etc. I must say that Belgium is my favorite country.”
Donald Trump: “I am not a proponent of President Trump, but I am convinced that the American congress and the justice system will take the right actions for new laws and the execution of existing laws.”
Your superhero(es): “My superhero is my own mother, who was capable of raising three strong children without my father.”
Fetish: “I don’t have a specific fetish.”
Marriage or children: “Would marry, with the right person of course. But for now I don’t want my own child.”
Pink In Our Lives: “Pink In Our Lives is an interesting blog, which certainly caught my attention.”
Biggest fear: “As many people, I am terrified of spiders, that’s why I have a tattoo of a spider on my thy to symbolize the fears we have to overcome in life.”
Boxers or briefs: “Boxers, much more comfortable.”
Great Gay Party: “Flash on Sunday nights in Le You in Brussels.”
First love: “My first love was a boy I met at the end of 2014. It was quite a short relationship, but we are still friends to this day.”
Worst quality of yourself: “My worst aspect is the fact that I have a hard time letting go of work-related thoughts in my private time.”
Best quality of yourself: “My best quality is my strong character.”
Perfect hair or beautiful outfit: “A nice outfit to me can already consist of a neat shirt and a tailored suit.”
Body part you are most proud of: “Despite the hard times finding trousers that fit me, I must say that I am proud of my long legs.”
Goal in your life: “My goal in life is just to be happy and make the people around me happy. “
Biggest Idol: “As a chef I have to admit that my greatest idol is 
René Redzippi of restaurant Noma.”
Breakfast in bed or dinner for 2: “If I am lucky enough to be able to choose between breakfast in bed or dinner for two, I would choose dinner for two. I love going to restaurants. “
Mister Gay Belgium: “I think Mister Gay Belgium is a great initiative with which we can work around problems in the LGBT community in a fun way.”
Thank you for your answers Sam 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/53802
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