Model Jonathan Berry makes history as the first gay Indigenous Mr. Universe winner
A post shared by Jonathan Berry (@jonyberryofficial)“Well….. History was made tonight,” he wrote on Instagram sharing the exciting news. “I WON MR UNIVERSE!!!” The accompanying video shows him moments before his win was announced, and his excitement is certain palpable.Berry goes on to note that not only is he the first Australian man sent to the competition, or the first Australian winner in two decades (following Jennifer Hawkins, crowned Miss Universe in ’04), but he is also the first Aboriginal winner, period.
And that’s pretty major!Competition was in the air for these beefcakes, and modern-ish bodybuilding was born.Though the Mr. Universe title has its origins in traditional bodybuilding competitions (among its past winners?
None other than Arnold Schwarzenegger!), this new iteration expands its scope to showcase “well-rounded individuals” who are “not only physically fit but also intelligent, socially aware, and charismatic.”A lifelong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and the First Nations communities, Jonathan Berry is certainly indicative of all that makes a winner.A post shared by Jonathan Berry (@jonyberryofficial)In an interview with the First Nations Times prior to the competition, Berry was hopeful that, in vying for the Mr.
Universe title, he could be a beacon of inspiration for others like him all around the world:“I’ve overcome significant trauma, dealt with homelessness and believe that the ongoing discrimination that our people face in regard to their health is appalling,” he shared. “As a proud LGBTQIA+ advocate, I hope my participation in Mr.
