San Francisco Man Named US Mr. Gay 2008

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Jonathan "JT" Taylor from San Francisco, California was named US Mr. Gay 2008 and is now moving on to represent the United States at the International Mr. Gay Competition Grand Finale after having beaten out nineteen other contestants from around the nation.

The 3rd Annual U.S. Mr. Gay Competition National Finale and Awards Gala was held at the Music Box Theater in Hollywood.

Taylor wowed the judges and the crowd with his stage presence, charm, intelligence and eye catching physique. The USA finals included a three-day series of indoor/outdoor physical competitions, public appearances, photo shoots and judge's interviews.

"It was a very close contest between an extraordinary group of men and all the contestants were excellent," said Don Spradlin, founder of the Mr. Gay Competition. "JT is an exemplary person and we're thrilled to have him represent the U.S. in January at the world's eyes are focused on Hollywood for the International Mr. Gay Competition."

The first runner up spot was awarded to Mr. Green Bay, Josh Roberts, and the second runner up spot went to Derek B. Moates of Birmingham, AL. The award for Mr. Congeniality was given to Shar DeVon of Chicago, an honor voted on by the contestants themselves.

With the tagline "because gay is not a stereotype," the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition searches beyond looks to identify one man with the individualism and charisma to serve as a successful role model in challenging gay stereotypes. The winner serves as an Ambassador for the Noble Beast Foundation's mission, which is to confront homophobia and challenge the gay stereotype through appearances and events such as the Competition.

The other Award winners during the evening's Gala included Birmingham's Derek B. Moates, who won several Awards including Swimwear, Mr. Photogenic and 2nd Runner Up for US Mr. Gay.

Chicago's Shar DeVon won Mr. Congeniality (voted on by other contestants.) Out of 28,000 votes cast, San Diego's Steve Pena won the Mr. Popularity (on-line voting) Award by a 2% margin.

All of the Award winners received a beautiful wallet valued at over $400 from designer Charles Lapson. The cash prizes donated by Eric Butter of Australia included a $5000 Award to the new US Mr. Gay, JT Taylor, and a $2000 Award to Swimwear winner Derek Moates. All of the contestants received a gift package of care products from Sircuit Cosmeseuticals, a swimsuit from Andrew Christian and a leather luggage tag with a value of $90 from designer Charles Lapson.

The Honorees at the Awards Gala included California Assemblyman, Mark Leno, who received the HERO Award from Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden. Both Mark Leno and Mayor Ron Oden were judges during the very first Mr. Gay Competition in Palm Springs in 2005.