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A teenage
model and poet, actor and dancer, Carl Price appears to have the
sort of credentials to succeed in this year's all-male glamour contest!
He
has been selected from the 30 semi-finalists to represent South
Yorkshire at the final in September 2004.
The annual competition is seen by some as the gay man's answer to
the Miss World beauty contest.
We spoke with Carl to uncover his background, ask why he entered,
and what is asked of the contestants.
"I've recently finished my degree in English Literature at
the University of Sheffield. Before I went to University I thought
I was straight. But after living on my own I 'found' myself so to
speak," said Carl.
"I
currently work in PR and can often be found working on the at Gatecrasher;
door operating the guest list or door picking."
I also dance for 'Essentials' in Manchester's Gay Village and on
the 'Miss Moneypennys' tours. In contrast with this side of my life,
I love acting, and also have been heavily involved in writing poetry
and modelling."
Have
you entered the Mr Gay UK contest before?
"No
- I have never entered any type of contest like this before. When
I was younger I regularly attended a Saturday Drama Group called
'Act Too' which often put me forward for castings."
I suppose that's the only similarity I can recollect - this led
to getting a few extra parts with Granada - one example was with
a children's programme called Knight School."
So,
what was it like for the first time?
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| Kelly
Llorenna hosted the contest in Barnsley |
"I
remained relatively calm throughout the contest - despite entering
sober! It was held on a gay night at Chicago Rock in Barnsley. My
friends and I arrived late and I was encouraged to enter as soon
as I walked in."
Kelly
Llorenna hosted the contested and asked the questions on stage -
she was ace, and made us all feel really comfortable!"
Are
you single? If not, what does your partner think of you entering
the contest?
"Yes,
I'm single! But I had a boyfriend at the time of entering the contest,
who entered with me! But I beat him!! Haha! And he didn't make the
top three! That will teach him for ignoring my calls!
What
does the contest involve? How do people enter?
"On
the actual night, 10 people were selected from the crowd, and enticed
with the idea of winning a bottle of champers!
We all went back stage and each of us introduced ourselves one by
one to the audience."
After this, Kelly sang her song then we were expected to strip down
(to our underwear) and go back on stage to answer a few questions
that we had the chance to prepare for!"
I unfortunately wore my Armani's which had holes in them!! But still,
I went on stage with just them on holding desperately to the front
to try and cover myself up!"
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| Carl
has always liked the idea of being famous didn't think he would
be for being a Mr Gay UK contestant! |
What
are you hoping for from the contest?
"Recognition
and perhaps fame. I've always had childhood dreams of being famous,
but I never thought it would be based upon my sexuality."
I want to make people realise that you can be gay without all the
sexual connotations. Being gay does not necessarily mean one is
promiscuous."
A lot of people misunderstand this concept. For instance, the moment
some male acquaintances find out I'm gay, they assume must fancy
them."
It's rubbish. I'm just as picky, if not worse, then everyone else."
What
do you think of the gay scene in South Yorkshire?
"The
gay scene in South Yorkshire is in desperate need of revival. There's
a few good nights such as Climax, but if you're gay and wanting
a good night out on the 'gay scene' in Sheffield, it probably means
venturing outside of town."
That's why there is no specific Mr Gay UK contest held in the centre
of Sheffield. This year it was taken to neighbouring Barnsley due
to the
lack of venues in Sheffield."
What
would you say to those thinking of 'coming out' and what was your
experience?
"In
terms of friends, everyone knows, but in terms of family, I'm still
in the process. I completely emphasise with those that are a bit
dubious on telling their parents."
It's
easier with friends because it doesn't have to
be close to home; telling friends doesn't affect the conversations
on family meals and family occasions. It's difficult, but it is
necessary."
It's
all part of accepting yourself for who you are. Although, for some
people it just takes that little bit longer."
The
semi-final
"In
terms of preparation for the event, we were only briefed early in
the morning at the hotel," said Carl.
There
was nothing complicated however, we just had to walk around with
our top off and wear a pair of army combats!"
I remained
relatively calm throughout the day and didn't really get that nervous.
However, I haven't been 'out' that long, and it finally dawned on
me whilst I was marching around in the parade with a banner stating
'Mr Gay UK' that... I AM actually gay."
Now...
20 contestants have gone through to the finals, all representatives
from different regions all over the country."
All
we had to do for the contest was walk on the main stage at the pride
event to introduce ourselves, then walk back off."
Soraya
sang her new debut single, 'Sweet Dreams' then the winners were
read live from the internet."
As
our names were read out, we were required to go back on stage. I
was so relieved and happy to discover I was going through to the
finals in London."
My
place of work, Gatecrasher, were thrilled to find out I'll be on
my way to London to compete for one last time! They've been great
about the entire competition."
All
the final contestants will be having an ITV2 film crew following
them round for a day, as a day in the life of a GAY UK contestant."
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