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A heroic figure fighting for visibility and pride in being oneself. Returning now to chase that title means reclaiming that bright part of me.”

Now, crowned Mr. Gay World 2025, Julio Spatola stands as a symbol of resilience, visibility, and powerful queer joy. Gay—became the most authentic expression of himself.

“It transformed me from the shy, insecure nerd I was into someone who felt strong, seen, recognized.

His greatest power is exactly that: getting on a stage and declaring, loudly, ‘I’m gay and proud.’”

That philosophy guided him even when he helped bring Mr. Gay Europe and Mr. Gay World competitions to Italy. From the moment Spatola stepped onto the stage in the Philippines, he radiated confidence, kindness, and that unmistakable “I’m here to make you scream, cry, and cheer all at once” Italian energy.

Photo Credit: @mgworganization (Instagram)

This year’s competition brought together fierce contenders from the Philippines, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, South Africa, and more.

The Italian heartthrob—and self-professed nerd with the charm of a comic book lead—was just crowned Mr. Gay World, embracing not only his queerness but also his identity as an Aspie—a journey he speaks about with profound openness and tenderness.


From a Flyer in Rome to a Global Stage

Spatola’s pageant origin story is legendary—equal parts petty, romantic, and iconic.

“My first Mr.

Gay Street participation happened completely by chance, right outside my home in Rome near the Colosseum,” he shared in an interview with gay.it.

He had been walking with his boyfriend when he spotted a flyer.

“I joked: ‘Imagine if I entered…’ And he replied, ‘As long as you’re with me, you’ll never do it.’”

That was all the motivation he needed.

“A beautiful face can catch the attention of people who would never otherwise listen to a political or social message… but if it contains substance and truth, then that platform becomes useful.”

@beautybygelo

Sharing a backstage moment with the newly crowned Mr Gay World 2025 Julio Spatola of Italy 👑 🏳️‍🌈 🇮🇹 Body makeup and subtle ab contouring.

Out of pure principle, Spatola signed up on the very last day—and won both Mr. Gay Street and Mr. Gay Rome in one night.

Photo Credit: Mr. Gay World (Facebook)

What started as a spur-of-the-moment decision became his lifelong path. Crowning moments include Mr. And Quezon City, in particular, was the natural choice.

“It is one of the leading cities in the country when it comes to championing LGBTQIA+ rights.

The discovery, he explained, reframed everything—his social battles, his need to mask, the ways he navigated public spaces.

But here’s the fabulous twist: the “mask” he built for survival—Mr. Out of twelve stunning candidates, Spatola soared to the top—snatching both the Best Swimwear and Best Formal Wear awards along the way, as if to remind everyone that yes, superheroes do exist, and sometimes they show up in a tight speedo.

@diangratuito

THE BEST IN FORMAL WEAR MR GAY WORLD 2025 ITALY JULIO SPATOLA

♬ original sound – MAGanap (Marc Adrian Ganap) – MAGanap (Marc Adrian Ganap)

RELATED: Moments When Mr.

Gay World Paul Carruthers Had the Internet THIRSTING


A Nerdy Italian Icon with a Superhero Heart

If you think Spatola is just muscle and megawatt smiles, think again. One crown fell into the next, and before long he found himself representing Italy in contests where authenticity mattered just as much as aesthetics.

 

Representation Beyond Rhinestones

To Spatola, pageants aren’t merely glitter and perfectly oiled abs—they’re platforms for visibility, power, and truth.

Gay Street, Mr. For example, Quezon City was the first local government unit to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, it actively supports Pride Marches, and it has continuously provided programs for LGBTQIA+ welfare.

“By hosting Mr Gay World here, contestants and audiences can expect not just a competition but an experience that immerses them in a city that breathes advocacy and equality.

“They’ll feel the heartbeat of a community that has long fought for acceptance and celebration of diversity,” Renzo explained.

For Renzo, advocacy is at the heart of the event’s reinvention.

“I’m tired of pageants that make empty claims of advocacy,” Renzo claimed, “Too many competitions say they stand for something, but their impact ends when the spotlight turns off.

“For me, Mr Gay World 2025 must live and breathe its advocacy.

As he once shared, storytelling is a superpower, and he intends to use it for good.

His journey has been long and glittering. Gay Europe. Behind the jawline sharp enough to cut glass is a lifelong cinephile who grew up believing Spider-Man’s most iconic line: “With great power comes great responsibility.” That mantra became the backbone of his life, his creativity, and his advocacy.

As a visual effects artist, videographer, and editor, Spatola has actually fulfilled the dream of millions—working on Marvel films while using his talents to amplify messages of love, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ pride.

He is living proof that representation isn’t just about what we look like—it’s about who we dare to become.

REFERENCE: gay.it

2min read

Mr Gay World, the world’s longest-running pageant for gay men, is preparing for a historic transformation with its 17th edition set to take place in Quezon City, Philippines, on December 1, 2025.

For the first time in the competition’s history, the pageant is under Filipino ownership, ushering in a new era of leadership focused on structure, inclusivity, and meaningful advocacy.

The new CEO and President of Mr Gay World Wayne Renzo said the new beginning for the competition is personal.

“Honestly, it started out of frustration, I kept asking myself: how could a 16-year-old organisation with so much potential still feel so unorganised?” explained Renzo.

“That frustration fueled my decision to step in and take over, with a promise to do better.

“Under Filipino leadership, Mr Gay World will no longer just exist as an event — it will be rebuilt into a stronger, more purposeful platform.”

The decision to host the pageant in Quezon City underlines that mission.

“The Philippines takes pageantry to a whole different level.

They won’t just be here for a holiday trip; they’ll be here to prove the strength of their advocacy, their beauty and their ability to lead.”

With fresh leadership, a passionate host city, and a renewed global purpose, Mr Gay World 2025 is set to redefine the pageant stage for a new generation.

Candidates from around the world will attend the 17th edition of Mr Gay World, taking place in Quezon City, Philippines, with the Grand Coronation Night scheduled for December 1, 2025.

For more details or to submit your country’s candidacy for the competition, please visit the official Mr Gay World Facebook page here.

Last Updated on Aug 27, 2025


The news team for Gay Nation love tips from our readers.

Gay Italy, and even Mr. Our focus is very clear: we are fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, especially for gay men, and we are putting sexual health front and centre.”

While some parts of the legacy format will remain, changes are underway.

As Renzo put it: “Candidates will feel that they are truly in a competition.

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In his words:

“I’ve always seen Mr. Gay as a superhero. Gay Rome, Mr. We are serious, passionate, and deeply invested in it.