POSTED: Friday, November 12, 2010, 9:30 PM
Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag
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This weekend studly dudleys from towns across America are rolling into Philadelphia to fight for the title of
Mr. Gay U.S. 2010. Hosted by Sirius/XM radio personality Frank Decaro and drag mistress Brittany Lynn at Voyeur Nightclub, this will be the first time Philadelphia has hosted the event — and the handsome gent representing our city hopes the home court advantage will give him the edge he needs to walk away with that sash.
Twenty-eight year old sex biscuit Ryan Mattis has lived in Philadelphia for nearly eight years. He came here from Central, Pa to study accounting at St. Joseph's University, and is currently a homeowner near Passyunk Square. With his all-American good looks and butterfly-in-the-gut-inducing charm aside, he says he never considered himself the pageant type, but when a local travel agency approached him earlier this year about representing them in the Mr. Gay Philadelphia pageant, he thought he'd give it a shot. And he won.
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It was his well-roundedness and non-stereotypical approach, he says, that helped him win the first time. "The point is to bring recognition as gay men being an everyday guy, and to be a role model for my generation and to the generations who came before us."And come on, let's cut to the chase, he can wear a swimsuit like it's nobody's business. "[Swimwear] is where I feel most confident," he says without a stutter. "Fitness is a big part of my life." Ouch!
To get prepared for the big night, Mettis has amped up his workout routine and focused on eating right and getting plenty of shut eye. Though he's had several local businesses offer to donate clothing, he finally decided on a sharp suit from
Metro Men's Clothing on E. Passyunk Ave.; and, as far as the swimsuit is concerned, he's keeping mum. "People will just have to come see that for themselves," he says. Double ouch ...
The competition kicks off tonight at Q Lounge at a preliminary event where judges (Michael Musto, David Evangelista, Terry Noonan) will have a chance to eye-up the competitors before they take the stage for the final competition. At the main event each contestant will have a chance to strut their stuff in formal and swimwear before being whittled down to the five who will go on to the Q&A round. The winner will then go on to compete in the online International Mr. Gay competition.
Mettis says his boyfriend of one year and several carloads of family members will be in attendance tomorrow night to offer their support. And if he wins, he says he wants to use his title to put himself forth as a rolemodel for the younger folks. "It's hearbreaking when you turn on the news," he says in reference to the recent increase in gay teen suicides. "I want people who are going through that to know that they're not alone and that things will continue to get better." Aw, he's hot and he has a sensitive side, too? He's got this thing in the bag. Good luck tomorrow, Ryan!
Preliminary Round, Fri., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., $10, Q Lounge, 1234 Locust St., 215-732-1800; Main Event, Sat., Nov. 13, 8 p.m., $35-$65, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772.
I don't see it, I don't get it, I don't understand, how did this dude even get a chance to compete? He's fugly....— nante
