Newly crowned Mr Spain comes out as gay, just days after winning the crown
Daniel Rodriguez made history by becoming the competition’s first gay winner.
Aspiring actor Daniel Rodriguez has publicly come out as gay – just days after beating 47 other men to be crowned International Mister Spain.
During an interview with ABC, Rodriguez said he never spoke about his sexuality during the competition because he “didn’t see it as a reason why I couldn’t claim the title”.
He says that his family and friends have always supported him and fully accepted his sexuality.
However, he was quick to dismiss criticism from those who claim a gay man should not be eligible to win the competition.
“I don’t understand why. A homosexual can be as masculine as a heterosexual,” he said.
“Regardless of my orientation I can seduce women, too.”
Rodriguez also pointed out that he never lied about his sexuality and won based on the jury’s decision.
He went to express fears regarding his future success – saying he hopes his revelation will not hinder his career going forward.
Last month, Spanish water polo star Víctor Gutiérrez came out before heading to the Rio Olympics.
“My family knows I’m gay, my friends too. And I’m living in such a positive way with my sexuality that I felt a responsibility to share it with others,” Gutiérrez said.
“There have been more than 70 homophobic attacks in Madrid so far this year,” he added.
“It is a reality that we live in. And there are almost no athletes who are out of the closet. But in my experience, people have changed.”
Meanwhile, Spain’s first openly gay referee quit football, insisting he “cannot take any more”.
Jesús Tomillero took the decision after he was subjected to a torrent of abuse following his decision to give a penalty during a match between Portuense and San Fernando Isleño.
