Belgium's Raf Van Puymbroeck is Mister Gay Europe

Belgium's Raf Van Puymbroeck has won the 'Mister Gay Europe' contest in Oppdal, Norway. The 21-year-old dance coach from Vosselaar beat Mister Gay Norway and Mister Gay England into second and third place.

"The whole week has been a rollercoaster with ups and downs, but this trophy is the icing on the cake," Raf Van Puymbroeck told reporters. Raf is 21 years of age and hails from Vosselaar, in the Kempen area in Antwerp. He did a Bachelor in Physical Education and works as a dance coach now. He teaches at the Thomas More university in Turnhout.

Raf was elected Mister Gay Belgium on 29 May. Having won that contest, he was guaranteed a spot in the European contest. In Norway, candidates took part in workshops and congresses, in order to defend their views in debates with journalists and politicians. Raf focuses on "sports and diversity", pressing for the acceptance of LGBT's in sports clubs.

"I want to inspire people. I want to be a role model, even at my young age", he said.

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