Whistler, BC - September 21, 2008 - The first nationwide search for Mr. Gay Canada took place September 18-21st, 2008 in Vancouver and Whistler, province of British Columbia, Canada.  Hosted mostly in the idyllic mountain resort of Whistler the primary purpose of the Mr. Gay Canada (MGC) is to identify leaders who will take responsibility not only in his own community but also on a global stage speaking out for equal rights. Mr. Gay Canada is a positive role model and will work on humanizing being gay and act as an LGBT Tourism Ambassador for Canada.
 
The 3-day, indoor/outdoor competition brought together an exceptional group of young men that performed a series of events to help our judges identify a strong spokesman ambassador to tell the world about the mission.
On Saturday, September 20th, the winner was chosen. North Vancouver's Darren Bruce was the final delegate standing to accept the symbolic "crown" through a vest baring the logo of Mr Gay Canada. "Besides feeling loved and challenged, it was one of the first times I felt understood," said Darren Bruce, "I wanted to call my boyfriend and my parents right away." After experiencing such an amazing weekend of the best BC has to offer, Darren's favourite moments included "sobering champagne, winning the canoe challenge and the emotionally cathartic farewell." As the title holder of Mr Gay Canada, Darren will present our country in the upcoming International Mr Gay event as well as be the face of various public service announcements, speak at events and work towards the mission of the project. The recent University of British Columbia Engineering graduate has some goals of his own that include lobbying politicians, GLBT education for youth and of course becoming International Mr Gay.  www.mrgaycanada.com
 
Darren Bruce
Date of Birth: Jan. 11, 1983
Nationality: Canadian.
Languages: English, French
Ethnic roots: English, Irish, Scottish
Education: University of British Columbia Graduate - BaSc Engineering Physics
Hobbies: Skiing, Yoga, Biking, Travelling
North Vancouver is the mountains and the ocean; It gives people a respect for nature on one side and human civilization on the other.
Favourite quote: "The colour of a man's skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes" - Bob Marley
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