Mr Q 2009

The annual Mr Q- Search for a Cover Boi Competition has become one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the gay social calendar and this year's event was bigger than ever. With five heats spread across Brisbane, Cairns and The Sunshine Coast, QNews searched high and low to find Queensland's sexiest men. Not only was the competition bigger, but so were the prizes. Up for grabs was a $10,000 shopping spree at Domayne Fortitude Valley plus time with a personalised interior designer; a professional photo shoot from Russell Fleming Photography and the opportunity to appear on the cover of QNews; the ultimate pleasure pack from Klub Kruise and sexy underwear from N2N.

The final was held at Big Gay Day in front of thousands of screaming fans who love all of the contestants. But there could only be one winner- Ladies and gentlemen (and those who used to be) please let us introduce you to Mr Q 2009!

Name: Shane

Age: 21

Lives- West End, and I never want to leave!

Work- I study integrative resource management

What made you enter Mr Q?

I saw it last year and thought it looked like fun. The prizes last year were quite substantial and I thought I could give it a go.  After the first few rounds this year I was going to put it off again, but my boyfriend encouraged me to enter- so I did.

What was it like the first time you got up on stage in your heat?

It wasn't daunting, but I was only aware of the front two rows. It felt like 15 people even though the venue was packed; I was just blinded by the light. I was really nervous but I was happy that there were so many people and they were interested.

What was it like winning your heat?

I was elated. It was just a really flattering experience.  It makes all that time in the gym seem worthwhile.

Was it a nervous wait to the final at Big Gay Day?

It was worse the week after the heat and the day before the final. It was a bit scary thinking 'it's going to happen tomorrow!'

What was it like on stage at Big Gay Day in front of thousands of people?

Again I was just so thankful that there were so many people there. We went out in towels right at the start of the day when we were getting ready and there were not a lot of people there so early. Going out there and nobody caring would have been pretty bad, but by the time we went on stage the place was packed.

What was it like when you were announced the winner?

It felt like my stomach dropped out. All of my surroundings dropped out for a moment, it was just a blur and hard to describe.

Have you been to Domayne yet to pick out a few items?

We went on the weekend to have a look around. We don't have any of the items yet, but we have basically re-done our entire house. There are brand new bed settings, a new entertainment centre, new office, Egyptian cotton bed sheets, dining setting. The whole works!  There is still a little more to spend, so we will have to find a few more things to put around the house.

The interior designer comes out this week. It will be interesting because my boyfriend has already decided where he wants things. I just hope that there won't be a clash of ideas.

Have you ever been involved in a professional photo shoot before?

No, never, it was not what I was expecting.  It was very casual. I had this image in my head of what a professional photographer would be like - very demanding and precious but Russell was just so nice. It was a really enjoyable experience.

Any final words?

I just want to say a big thank you for all of the support from everyone who cheered for me and a big thank you to everyone at Domayne at who have just been incredible and so friendly - and of course to QNews and Big Gay Day for giving me such a great opportunity. I also want to thank N2N for their really comfy undies and to Klub Kruise for setting me up with lube for the next 35 years!