National Geographic Educator Crowned Mr. Gay Canada 2012

Each February, during the annual WinterPRIDE Festival, a barrage of hunky Canadians descend upon Whistler for an intense three day competition in six distinct categories: Photo, sports, fashion show/runway, swim suit, public speaking and local outreach.

Yes, this is the world of the Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition, where five contestants vie for one coveted crown and the opportunity to represent “The True North Strong and Free” at the Mr. Gay World Grand Finale in April.

And yesterday, Canada finally found its openly gay King; Vancouver based Thomas Egli, an international tour leader and ecologist who spends quite a bit of time running his own research diving company and teaching LGBT youth about self-expression and acceptance.

“I am honored to serve as a much-needed positive role model for LGBT youth in Canada and around the world," Egli said in a statement. “Popular media and gay culture bombard us with stereotypes which can be confusing for people who are just coming out. I want to increase awareness of the true diversity of the LGBT community.”

Even on his online profile, Egli tastes lean much more heavily on inner growth than mainstream sensibilities. “I am not what you would find in a glossy magazine, nor am I a porn star," he writes. "But I represent the reality that being gay is a remarkable journey undertaken by people from all backgrounds.”

Read more on Thomas Egli and the Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition here. Photos below.