Mr Gay World SA aims to demystify mental health – Joburg – Joburg
The newly crowned Mr Gay World South Africa is eager to drive social change and equality while opening up public dialogue to demystify mental health and address socioeconomic injustices facing the country.
Louw Breytenbach, who is also the Director of the National Arts Association of South Africa came out tops after facing 11 contestants from across the country, who were contending for the title of Mr Gay World South Africa. The event was held recently at the Galleria conference and event centre in Sandton, northern Joburg.
“Becoming Mr Gay World SA 2021 is not only an honour but a commitment and promise to the entire LGBTQIA+ community that we will not have another cover boy who doesn’t address social issues affecting South African communities,” says Breytenbach.
An effervescent member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Breytenbach has already started helping young people open a theatre school in his hometown called the Louw Theatre House, with a 120 student complement. He says the theatre focuses on mental health and public speaking skills intending to equip young people with the confidence to share their personal stories.
As Breytenbach immaculately rests his arm on the table during the interview, his glossy nail polish glistens, symbolising rainbow colours of the spectrum for the acknowledgement of the LGBTQIA+ community. He asserts that the government should address hate crimes and other concerns affecting queer people. The state also needs to protect the Transgender community, which is suffering the most from prejudice.
He’s currently involved in a mental health awareness campaign called the Gate of Hope, which aims to honour the memory of LGBTQIA+ people who committed suicide and those battling mental health. He also collects donations for school shoes and stationery for children whose families can’t make ends meet. The reigning Mr Gay World SA had a personal brush with mental health aged 12, after being diagnosed with eight (8) disorders, which he carries through his adulthood. He also suffered three suicide attempts, a highly publicised car crash in 2019 and severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Sipping bottled spring water with his legs crossed, Mr Gay World South Africa says he considers his father, a Pastor as his role model because he’s able to support him in his journey. Breytenbach’s father is a Cancer and Covid-19 survivor who has been engaged in missionary work since his son was young. According to his LinkedIn profile, Breytenbach is an avid entrepreneur, public speaker and communication specialist. He’s passionate about soft skills development and training and is a published author, content writer, speech coach and mental health and LGBTQIA+ activist with a love for strong coffee and the arts.
The 31-year-old, who hails from Boksburg on the east rand, holds a degree in Christian based Education, a degree in Theatre based Education and a diploma in Theology. He’s currently studying Life Coaching and devotes his free time to charities, his family, exercise, reading and theatre.
Before his breakthrough in the entertainment industry, Breytenbach used to sell pies to generate an income. He’s now an accomplished actor, television presenter, entrepreneur and owner of LALT House of Growth, an educational theatre centre steeped in community development through the arts. He’s also worked extensively in television and was the presenter of Drama Mammas on VIA, a scriptwriter for KykNET’s ChatNOU, and featured in various TV shows, including The Legacy, Hoor My Sien My Soen My and Vergewe My.
Last year, Breytenbach had his debut as a director and producer for the documentary, The Louw Down, a personal project focussing on depression. “My passion shines through everything I do. The love I have for my community, charity work and kindness is the trademark of my character,” he says.
Breytenbach believes the youth is the key to tackling the scourge of hate crimes in the country. As part of his reign, he’s scheduled to represent South Africa at the Mr Gay World contest in September, where he’ll compete against constantans from across the globe. “Thank you to all those who believe in me, support me, vote for me, pray for me, and to all the amazing gents who share the stage with me. It is all such a blessing,” he says.
When he’s not strutting his stuff on the runway, the towering Mr Gay World SA unwinds with his stunning Dalmatian dog and enjoys living in the moment, chasing the sunshine. Visit www.louwbreytenbach.com for more info.
Written by Gontse ‘GeE’ Hlophe