Arts & Entertainment

First muslim man reaches finals in Mr. Gay Belgium

Mr. Gay Belgium makes history

Published

9 years ago

March 25, 2016

Good morning, good morning. It will be a great day. Because every day is a great day?? starts your day with a smile and the day will smile back at you. #goodfeelings #bepositive #behappy #beouttobeproud #beyourself

A photo posted by Abdellah Bijat Laaraichi (@abdel_bijat) on Dec 29, 2015 at 12:12am PST

Abdellah Bijat, 22, is the first Muslim man to reach the finals for the Mr. Gay Belgium competition.

Bijat, who is Moroccan, spoke with Studio Brussel, a Belgian radio station, and said he believes religion should be accepting of people for who they are.

“I want to show that 2016 should be a feasible year for the existence of different cultures, including Islam, in order to all live in peace. It should be feasible for everyone to accept people as they are. The religion is somewhat contradictory when it comes to its stance on homosexuality,” Bijat told Studio Brussel.

The winner of Mr. Gay Belgium will go on to compete in Mr. Gay World in May.

According to Out, the organizers of Mr. Gay Belgium say Muslim candidates have auditioned before, but eventually would become afraid and drop out.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

Published

3 days ago

May 25, 2025

Michael Key

Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)