Home Features More than a pageant: Challenging stereotypes and redefining masculinity in pageantry

More than a pageant: Challenging stereotypes and redefining masculinity in pageantry

0
The contestants of the 2025 Mr India Pageant

Pageantry isn’t just about looks—it’s about culture, confidence, and breaking barriers. And for the men competing in the Mr India Guyana competition, it’s also about redefining masculinity in a society where male pageantry is often misunderstood.

In an interview with News Room, this year’s contestants opened up about their experiences in male pageantry in Guyana, reflecting on the stigma, the challenges, and the importance of embracing self-expression.

They shared how participation in the Mr India Guyana competition has allowed them to express themselves freely, embrace their identity, and challenge outdated perceptions.

Nieem Naikram (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

For Nieem Naikram, external opinions should never define how a person lives.

“Everyone has their own life to live. You cannot live your life based on others opinions. You have to live it in a way that makes you happy,” he said.

Deon DeAbreu (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

Deon DeAbreu acknowledges the stigma but believes if you use your platform for advocacy, it shifts the narrative.

He told the News Room, “There are many stigmas surrounding the pageants and the platform, but it also depends on how you utilise the platform for your advocacy.”

“I believe if you use this platform in the right way and for the right cause you will not be stereotyped.”

Cecil Hines (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

Cecil Hines understands the societal pressures men face in the Caribbean.

“Just growing up in the Caribbean, men are stereotyped to stay in these boxes we’re not allowed to show emotions, we’re not allowed to be the creatives that we want to be. We’re not allowed to take up the spaces we want without confirming to these ideas that men should be providers for their household; they should not show emotion; they should not care about their mental health; they should just stay within these conformities… For me, I came into this competition to challenge those narratives, to say that it’s okay to take up space,” he said.

Rajesh Persaud (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

For Rajesh Persaud, participation is about representation and inspiring others.

“Being in this (pageant) allows me to be the voice for the voiceless. For us to take this step will let them [other men] be brave enough to take that step when applications open again this year,” he highlighted.

Ricardo Mootoo (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

Ricardo Mootoo admits that he once had misconceptions about male pageantry but has since learned to be more open-minded.

The contestant said, “I myself used to think that way, very badly about male pageantry. But over the last years, I’ve learned to accept the evolution of how our generation is going, and learned to accept that male pageantry is normal and a good thing, especially for young people who have dreams.”

Christopher Narine (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

Christopher Narine also had doubts before joining the pageant but was surprised by the support he received.

He shared, “Going into this I didn’t think I would receive the amount of support I did. I often–in the past–would look down on male pageantry because of lack of experience and knowledge… I would urge people to come out, witness, and experience what we have been going through. Only then you can truly understand male pageantry.”

Roshan Ali (Photo: News Room/ January 22, 2025)

For Roshan, the conversation about stereotypes shouldn’t be necessary in 2025.

“I think in the year 2025 there isn’t such a thing that we have to fight those stereotypes anymore… Mr India opens the avenue for young men to showcase their talent,” he said. (Written by Faith Seabra)

Advertisement
_____

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here