Weston Charles-Gallo - Road to Mr. Gay World USA

My name is Weston Charles-Gallo (he/him/his), I am 22 years old, and I am the current Mr. Gay World Missouri.

Mr. Gay World is an annual contest for gay men that establishes ambassadors for LGBTQ+ rights, with winners competing as delegates in a variety of categories.The primary purpose of Mr. Gay World is to identify leaders who will be spokespersons in their own communities and on a global stage.

I entered the foster care system at age 14 when my biological parents neglected me for identifying as gay. After a year of hospitalizations, shelters and foster home placements, I found my forever family with my two dads and six siblings. I am currently attending Pittsburg State University majoring in communications. I advocate tirelessly for adoption rights for queer families and LGBTQ+ foster care youth. LGBTQ+ youth are OVER-REPRESENTED in the foster care system, and UNDER-REPRESENTED by leaders in society.

My platform: Raising awareness, reforming policy and implementing safety and inclusion for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care as well as expressing the importance for same sex couples to foster and adopt. The passing of the Every Child Deserves a Family Act is very near and dear to my heart and I have been apart of those efforts on panels, webinars and testifying in front of U.S Congress.

My story needs to be shared, on every platform, at every youth organization, and on every stage. I am a voice and a representative for all the LGBTQ+ youth in care that are facing discrimination and seeking a loving and affirming placement. Sharing my story inspires and empowers others to share their truths, reform policies and provide necessary and deserved protections and equality. I advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care because I have lived that experience.

This title has allowed me to be able to represent my state and use my pre existing platform in advocacy to touch on issues like discrimination of LGBTQ+ youth in care and discussing the importance for LGBTQ+ couples to foster adopt.

Help me share my experiences on a larger stage!