QX talks to Mr Gay Great Britain finalist Jordan Chan

Coming from a small town in Britain, Mr Gay Great Britain finalist Jordan Chan was bullied for being mixed heritage and shunned for being different as a child. As an adult, he now works to create safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community that were not there when he was a kid! In the tradition of all “beauty pageants”, QX talked to Jordan to find out more.

Hello Jordan. Tell our readers something about yourself.

I’m an operations manager by day and a proud LGBTQ+ advocate by day and in my spare time. I volunteer on my local pride committee and coordinate fundraisers and events to create safe spaces for my local community. I also co-host a local radio show discussing LGBTQ+ issues and everything pride, including our fundraisers and events. I’ve loved making an impact locally, but I wanted to make a bigger impact nationally, and Mr Gay GB gives the winner this platform. I’m also a part-time underwear model and have been lucky enough to work with and be gifted by some of the biggest gay brands across the world. 

You’re in the finals of Mr Gay Britain. How is it going?

My campaign has been going great; very hard work but very rewarding. I’ve been campaigning across Kent and the Southeast Coast as the only finalist from this area and the top 8 of the UK. I’ve attended many Kent prides and been involved in their parades and marches. I also do public speaking around the competition, explaining why pride is important and encouraging everyone to be proud, to be themselves, and to be safe during ever-changing and challenging times. I’ve also organised multiple fundraisers at different LGBTQI+ venues across Kent, and I have one in Brighton this weekend! These fundraisers help raise awareness and money for Mr Gay GB’s chosen charities, Pride Action North and The Charlie & Carter Foundation. 

What made you think of entering?

I have loved making an impact locally, creating safe spaces for my local community that weren’t as common or easily accessible when I was growing up, and wanting to be a role model for younger generations to come. I know I wanted to do more, and Mr Gay GB gives me the platform to do this nationally, as the winner gets to attend Parliament and be an advisor to the equalities minister for up to 12 months! 

What might winning Mr Gay Great Britain achieve?

I want to make an impact and protect LGBTQ+ rights for us and generations to come. Attending Parliament and speaking to the Equalities Minister about the difficulties we face in the LGBTQI+ community takes the issues straight to the top and to the heart of this country. I’m hoping that by having a positive impact here in the UK, we will set the standard and create positive change for the LGBTQ+ community across the globe, too. 

How do you spend the rest of your time?

I love spending time with my family and friends and going to the gym. I’ve loved this competition because through campaigning, I’ve met so many amazing people and made some great new friends. My campaign has also allowed me to speak to all members of the LGBTQI+ community to understand what’s important to them and what they would like to see raised in Parliament. If I’m lucky enough to win and attend Parliament, I want everyone to feel represented. 

What can our readers do to help you win Mr Gay Great Britain?

Readers can help by voting on Facebook and Instagram using the links below. One like equals one vote. Please feel free to like, share, highlight, and tag your friends! If readers want to donate to the chosen charities, they can do that via my Just Giving page below.