A mental-health advocate from Bellville has secured a place among the top 10 finalists for Mr Gay World South Africa 2026, using his platform to champion addiction recovery and LGBTQ+ support in communities where such conversations remain taboo.
Jacques Gous, who grew up in a predominantly Afrikaans-speaking religious community that frowned on LGBTQ+ people, draws on personal battles with depression, anxiety and substance abuse to break stigma wherever he encounters it and create safe spaces for others with similar or related challenges.
His advocacy work stems from recognising how mental-health struggles were hidden in his community. After experiencing his own turning point, Gous realised many people suffered in silence without accessible support, making recovery a remote or unattainable prospect.
“That personal experience [and the realisation afterwards] drives my work to break stigma and start conversations,” he pointed out in a recent interview.
The 2026 finalist has committed to consistent recovery practices, attending support meetings twice weekly and completing more than 400 meetings across four years.
Platform for change
For Gous the Mr Gay World South Africa title represents more than recognition; it’s an opportunity for advocacy and leadership. He viewed the pageant in terms of impact rather than appearance, developing triumphant advocates rather than simply crowning winners.
His strategy included partnering with community organisations, schools and safe spaces locally, and using media, public speaking and social platforms to share his story nationally and push for accessible support services.
“I want to normalise conversations about recovery.”
Gous highlighted significant gaps in addiction-recovery resources, particularly in areas such as Bellville. Private rehabilitation can cost between R50 000 and R100 000, while state services often have lengthy waiting periods.
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He advocated for more affordable outpatient programmes, community-based support groups, better education and stronger after-care services.
This impassioned advocate for a new, healthier and wider perspective on the human condition in its all-encompassing diversity emphasises practical approaches to creating supportive LGBTQ+ spaces, peer-led support and open conversations about mental health and addiction as well as accessible pathways to help.
His message to LGBTQ+ youth centres on three core principles: “Stand up, speak up, and reach out.” This translates to setting boundaries and seeking help, sharing feelings with trusted people, and connecting with others through support groups or simple phone calls.
Gous shared an example of how conversation can save lives, describing how he intervened with a support group member who was about to use substances. That individual later shared their survival story at a meeting.
Beyond the competition
Regardless of the competition outcome, Gous plans to continue building safe spaces and showing up consistently for his community. He encourages locals to join conversations, check in on others, and collaborate on initiatives.
Those interested in supporting his work can contact him via Instagram @jacques.g0us or email gousjr@gmail.com.
The volume of support behind his Mr Gay World South Africa journey has surprised Gous, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of mental health advocacy within LGBTQ+ communities.
