The event explicitly seeks to highlight discrimination against
LGBTQ+ people and provide select positive role models. A number of contestants from a number of countries has faced sanctions for their selection or competition, including Nolan Lewis from
India, Taurai Zhanje from
Zimbabwe, Robel Hailu from
Ethiopia, former Olympian
Chavdar Arsov from
Bulgaria, Wendelinus Hamutenya from
Namibia and Xiao Dai from China. Contestants in Mr. Gay Syria were only able to compete after leaving the country and sought refugee status in Canada. Mr Gay World seeks to establish ambassadors for LGBTQ+ and human rights, with winners of national contests competing as delegates in a variety of categories. In 2021, the pageant amended its policy to encompass the male-identifying spectrum within the LGBTQ+ community. == Controversy ==