Daniel Rodriquez, the newly-crowned International Mister Spain, has come out as gay — mere days after winning the competition.
The aspiring actor beat out over 47 other handsome men who wanted the title, and he’s the first gay man to have ever won the competition.
Talking to ABC, the 23-year-old Rodriquez says he didn’t want to discuss his sexuality during the competition, because he “didn’t see it as a reason why I couldn’t claim the title.”
Rodriquez’s family and friends have embraced his sexuality, although he’s faced some harsh criticism since winning the competition.
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His message to anyone who doesn’t think a gay man should be International Mister Spain?
“I don’t understand why. A homosexual can be as masculine as a heterosexual. Regardless of my orientation, I can seduce women, too.”
He doesn’t mind the criticism, since the jury chose him as the winner hand’s down, and he’s been heaped with praise on social media.
Asked whether he’s attacked to any of his colleagues, he says, “I can assure you that has not happened to me. But I have not had a free minute.”