Speaking for gays

An Eastern Cape city councillor will be one of the 15 finalists in the Mr Gay SA competition to be held in Johannesburg later this year.

Lance Weyer, 24, is the Eastern Cape province's only representative in the competition.

"I'm honoured to be representing the Eastern Cape. It's the first time someone from the Eastern Cape has ever made it to the finals," the Buffalo City councillor said.

Weyer a supporter of the Eastern Cape Gay and Lesbian Association, an organisation which he has chosen as his charity project for the competition, said the event was not only about being "a pretty face" but also about finding a representative for the community who could help bring about change.

"I'd like to be Mr Gay South Africa 2011 because I'd like to be a role model for South African [gay] youth. Too many young people resort to suicide and substance abuse because they believe that being homosexual is a social death sentence. The young need suitable rolemodels to look up to, whom they can be proud of, and who can help them come to terms with their sexual orientation without fear," said Weyer.

The 15 finalists will appear on stage at Joburg Pride on October 1.