Mr. Gay World Steps Down From His Reign Due To “Personal Changes”

After just seven months, Mr. Gay World has announced he’s turning in his sash and crown and handing over his coveted title to his former competitor.

His reason?

“Personal changes.”

21-year-old Klaus Burkart of Germany was named Mr. Gay World in May. Now, he claims “personal changes” in his life have inhibited his ability to “live up to the expectations and serve the community.” Therefore, he must step down.

In a letter published on Mr. Gay World’s official blog yesterday, Burkart wrote: “When I entered the 2015 MR GAY WORLD™ competition in South Africa I thought that becoming MR GAY WORLD™ was the biggest challenge of my life.”

He continued, “Indeed it is very challenging and exciting winning the title, but what is more challenging is living up to the expectations, responsibilities and duties that come along with it.”

So, Burkart says, it is with “great sadness” that he must hand over the title to his former competitor and first runner up Emmanuel Mass Luciano of Hong Kong.

“I know he will be a great representative for our community, who will put all his heart and passion into his reign,” Burkart concluded.

Hours later, Burkart followed up that letter with a statement of Facebook in which he thanked everyone for their support but didn’t elaborate on the mysterious “personal changes” in his life, despite several people asking.