Online voting for the annual Mr Gay Pride Australia competition is live now, with less than two weeks to go before the crowning at Victoria’s ChillOut Festival.

Eight finalists from across regional and city areas of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland have shared their thoughts on why they should take out the title this year, and each has been tasked with writing articles tackling issues facing the LGBTIQ+ community.

The competitors vary in age from 20 to 52 in this year’s finals, and are speaking on topics ranging from living with HIV to prejudice within the LGBTIQ+ community.

The eight will face-off in March in Melbourne and Daylesford with a photo shoot, written test, personal interviews and public speaking at ChillOut Festival. The winner will head to South Africa to compete in Mr Gay World 2019 – where last year WA representative and reality TV alum Jordan Bruno went on to win the title.

Get to know the finalists here, and head over to mrgayprideaustralia.com/vote to have your say!