You've achieved success across fitness, pageantry, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. What has been the most transformative moment in your journey from athlete to international ambassador?
The most transformative moment in my journey was realizing that my greatest purpose was not winning titles or achieving personal success, but using those achievements to create meaningful impact for others. Competing in fitness and pageantry taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence. However, stepping onto the international stage as an ambassador for the LGBTQIA+ community showed me that visibility carries responsibility. Meeting people from different countries, hearing their stories, and understanding the challenges many still face transformed my perspective from personal achievement to community service. That shift changed everything. I no longer saw titles as a destination, but as a platform to advocate for inclusion, create safe spaces, raise awareness around LGBTQIA+ rights and gender-based violence, and inspire others to live authentically. That realization has been the defining moment of my journey and continues to guide the legacy I hope to leave behind
As the 2024 champion of Mr Gay Nation SA, what responsibilities came with the title that surprised you the most?
One of the biggest surprises that came with being the 2024 champion of Mr Gay Nation SA was realizing just how many people look to a titleholder for guidance, representation, and hope. The crown carries far more responsibility than recognition. I quickly learned that the role extends beyond appearances and events. It requires being a consistent advocate, a mentor, and a voice for those who may not yet feel seen or heard. People share their personal stories, struggles, and aspirations, and that trust is both humbling and motivating. What surprised me most was the impact that simple actions, listening, encouraging, showing up, and being authentic, could have on someone's life. The title taught me that true leadership is not about standing in the spotlight; it is about using that spotlight to illuminate opportunities for others and create lasting positive change within the LGBTQIA+ community.
You earned a Top 3 placing in IFBB Athletic Physique competition. How has competitive bodybuilding shaped your mindset, confidence, and approach to leadership?
Achieving a Top 3 placing in an IFBB Athletic Physique competition taught me lessons that extend far beyond the stage. Competitive bodybuilding instilled discipline, consistency, and mental resilience. It showed me that success is built through countless small decisions made every day, even when no one is watching. The sport also strengthened my confidence, not because of physical appearance, but because it taught me to trust the process, overcome setbacks, and push beyond perceived limits. Preparing for competition requires focus, sacrifice, and the ability to remain committed to a goal despite challenges. As a leader, those same principles guide me today. I believe in leading by example, staying accountable, and encouraging others to reach their full potential. Bodybuilding taught me that growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and that true strength is not just physical, but also mental, emotional, and rooted in perseverance. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach advocacy, mentorship, and leadership within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond
Representation in fitness spaces is still evolving. What challenges have you faced as an openly LGBTQ+ athlete, and how have those experiences influenced your advocacy work?
As an openly LGBTQ+ athlete, one of the challenges I've faced has been navigating spaces where representation was limited and where assumptions or stereotypes still existed. There were moments when I felt the pressure to prove that my identity and my athletic ability were not mutually exclusive, but rather strengths that could coexist authentically. Those experiences taught me the importance of visibility. When LGBTQ+ individuals see people who are thriving in fitness, sport, and leadership while being unapologetically themselves, it helps break down barriers and challenge outdated perceptions. These challenges have directly influenced my advocacy work. They reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to pursue their goals without fear of judgment. They also strengthened my belief that representation matters, not for recognition alone, but because it creates pathways for others to see what is possible. Today, I use my platform to encourage authenticity, promote diversity, and advocate for spaces where people are valued for their character, talent, and dedication rather than being defined by stereotypes. True inclusion happens when everyone has the opportunity to participate, succeed, and belong.
Winning international recognition as Mr Gay World Tourism 2025 placed you on a global stage. What message did you most want to share about South Africa's LGBTQ+ community with the world?
Winning the title of Mr Gay World Tourism 2025 gave me an incredible opportunity to showcase not only who I am, but also the resilience, diversity, and spirit of South Africa's LGBTQIA+ community. My message to the world was that South Africa is home to a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community that continues to break barriers, create change, and inspire others despite ongoing challenges. While our country has some of the most progressive constitutional protections for LGBTQIA+ rights, many individuals still face discrimination, violence, and exclusion. It is therefore essential that we continue advocating for equality, visibility, and safe spaces for all. I wanted people across the globe to see that South Africa's LGBTQIA+ community is not defined by struggle alone. We are leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, artists, athletes, and changemakers. We contribute meaningfully to our society and deserve to live authentically, safely, and proudly. As an advocate, GBV activist, and representative on the international stage, I aimed to highlight the importance of unity, inclusion, and human dignity. My goal was to remind people that when we embrace diversity, we create stronger communities and a better future for everyone. Most importantly, I wanted every LGBTQIA+ person, especially young people, to know that their identity is their strength. Their voice matters, their story matters, and they belong
Many young LGBTQ+ people struggle with self-acceptance and body image. What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their journey toward confidence and authenticity?
Many young LGBTQ+ people grow up feeling pressure to fit into boxes that were never designed for them. My advice is simple: your worth is not determined by how closely you match someone else's idea of beauty, masculinity, femininity, or success. Confidence does not appear overnight. It is built through small daily choices: choosing self-kindness over self-criticism, celebrating your progress instead of comparing yourself to others, and surrounding yourself with people who see and value the real you. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth often face greater pressure around appearance and body image, making self-acceptance an especially important journey. I encourage people to focus less on how their body looks and more on what it allows them to do. Your body carries you through life. Most importantly, authenticity is a superpower. The moment you stop trying to be who others expect and start embracing who you truly are, you begin to build a confidence that no one can take away. Be patient with yourself. Growth is not a straight road. Every step toward self-acceptance is a victory worth celebrating.
You've spoken about creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive authentically. What does meaningful community empowerment look like to you in 2026?
Meaningful community empowerment in 2026 goes beyond visibility. It is about creating environments where LGBTQIA+ individuals are not only accepted, but celebrated, protected, and given equal opportunities to succeed. For me, empowerment means ensuring that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to safe spaces, quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and strong support networks. It means amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized and creating platforms where people can share their stories without fear. Empowerment also requires action. It is found in mentorship programs that help young people discover their potential, advocacy efforts that challenge discrimination, and community initiatives that address issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, homelessness, and social exclusion. In 2026, meaningful empowerment is about building sustainable communities where authenticity is a strength rather than a risk. It is about fostering leadership, encouraging allyship, and ensuring that the next generation grows up knowing they belong exactly as they are. As someone committed to advocacy and creating safe spaces, I believe our greatest success will be measured not by how many people we reach, but by how many lives we help transform. When individuals are empowered to live openly, confidently, and authentically, entire communities become stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.
Social media often showcases the highlights of success. What is a challenge, setback, or personal lesson that your followers rarely get to see behind the scenes?
One of the biggest lessons my followers rarely see is that confidence is not something you achieve once and keep forever. Even as a titleholder, advocate, and public figure, there are moments of self-doubt, exhaustion, and uncertainty behind the scenes. Social media often captures the achievements, the events, the photoshoots, and the victories. What it doesn't always show are the long hours of preparation, the sacrifices, the difficult conversations, and the responsibility that comes with representing a community. There are times when balancing advocacy, leadership roles, professional commitments, and personal well-being can be incredibly challenging. A personal lesson I have learned is that resilience is not about never struggling. It is about continuing to move forward despite the challenges. Some of my greatest growth has come from setbacks, criticism, and moments when things did not go according to plan. Those experiences have taught me patience, humility, and the importance of staying grounded in my purpose. I have also learned that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. None of us succeed alone. The encouragement of friends, family, mentors, and the LGBTQIA+ community has helped me navigate difficult moments and remain focused on creating positive change. If there is one message I hope people take away, it is that authenticity includes both the triumphs and the struggles. Growth happens in the moments nobody sees, and often the strongest people are the ones who have learned to keep going when the spotlight is off.
As someone involved in mentoring and leadership within the LGBTQ+ pageant space, what qualities do you believe define the next generation of queer leaders?
The next generation of queer leaders will be defined by authenticity, resilience, empathy, and courage. They will lead with purpose, embrace diversity, and use their platforms to create meaningful change. Most importantly, they will uplift others, build inclusive communities, and inspire people to live proudly and unapologetically as themselves.
Looking ahead, what legacy would you like Gert Claassen-Smit to leave—not only in pageantry and fitness, but within the broader LGBTQ+ community both in South Africa and internationally?
I would like my legacy to be one of impact, inclusion, and empowerment. Not simply as a pageant titleholder or fitness enthusiast, but as someone who helped create safer spaces where LGBTQIA+ people could live authentically and without fear. I hope to be remembered as a leader who used his platform to uplift others, champion diversity, and inspire people to embrace who they are with pride and confidence. Whether in South Africa or on the global stage, my goal is to leave behind stronger communities, future leaders, and a message that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. If my journey encourages even one person to stand taller, dream bigger, and live more authentically, then I will consider that a legacy worth leaving.