When it comes to Pride, it’s not just about glitter, flags, and parades — it’s about the people who step forward to represent a community that refuses to be dimmed. This year, one of those faces is Hardus Erasmus, a contestant for Mr. Pretoria Gay Pride 2025. With his easy charm and strong presence, he’s stepping into a spotlight that is about far more than titles and crowns.
Hardus isn’t new to the idea of visibility. In a world where LGBTQIA+ stories are still too often pushed aside, he’s choosing to make his journey part of the bigger narrative. Whether he’s speaking about the challenges still faced in South Africa, or simply sharing his own story, he’s putting a human face to a contest that’s as much about resilience as it is about pageantry.
What makes his entry into the competition even more compelling is that it’s not only about personal ambition. Hardus represents a new wave of contestants who are less interested in just looking the part, and more invested in being the part — someone who embodies authenticity, community, and the courage to speak up. With the crown or without it, his voice is one worth hearing.
Here’s what he had to say:
Hardus, thanks for chatting with me. Let’s start simple: when people hear your name, they might picture you in pageant mode, but who are you beyond the sash and spotlight?
- When people hear my name, they might picture me in pageant mode, but beyond the spotlight, I’m a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, a lover of music, and a firm believer in the power of self-expression.
What sparked the decision to actually put yourself forward for Mr. Pretoria Gay Pride this year? Was it a long-time dream or more of a “why not now?” moment?
- To be honest, it was a very “WHY NOT NOW’ moment for me. I’ve always been passionate about LGBTQIA+ rights, and I felt it was time to take my advocacy to the next level.
Standing on that stage, whether you walk away with the title or not, what does this whole journey mean to you on a personal level?
- This journey is about more than just a title; it’s about using my platform to amplify the voices of our community.
If you do take the crown, what’s the first message you’d want to send out to the LGBTQIA+ community here in South Africa?
- My message would be one of love, acceptance, and unity. I would like to remind everyone that they are seen, heard, and valued, and that we stand together in our pursuit of equality and justice.
And then to everyone outside of the community — what would you want them to hear from you?
- I would like to encourage understanding, empathy, and support. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.
We’ve got one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, but reality doesn’t always match the laws on paper. What do you feel still needs to change in South Africa when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights and daily life?
- There is still much work to be done in terms of education, awareness, and advocacy. We need to continue pushing for policy changes and social acceptance to ensure that our rights are respected and protected.
Let’s get personal for a moment: imagine you’re sitting with someone who’s still in the closet, scared and unsure. What’s the one thing you’d want them to hear from you?
- I would like them to know that they are not alone, and that there is a community that loves and accepts them for who they are. I’d encourage them to take their time, be safe, and know that support is available when they’re ready.
Outside of the pageant world, who inspires you the most in your everyday life? Who helps keep you grounded when things get overwhelming?
- This one is tricky, I have so many people that is impacting my life positively. But if I need to name one person, it would be my dad. He told me to never say sorry for the person I am today and always to be the truest version of myself.
If you had the platform to change just one big thing for LGBTQIA+ youth in South Africa, what would you put at the top of your list?
- I would like to create safe places for the LGBTQIA+ youth, providing them with resources, mentorship, and community.
Let’s add a fun twist. If you could have any superpower to help you through the pageant process, what would it be — and how would you use it?
- I would choose confidence because with confidence, I believe I could conquer the stage and inspire others with my message.
Tell me something unexpected: what’s one fun fact about you that people wouldn’t guess by looking at your Instagram feed?
- I would say that I do a lot of community work.
Pageants are often about showing talent and charisma. Do you have a quirky skill or party trick hidden in your back pocket that people don’t know about?
- I am a decent dancer and can bust out a move or two on the dancefloor.
When you’re not preparing for big events, where are we most likely to find you on a Saturday afternoon?
- I would either be at home or be on a hike.
And to wrap it all up, let’s say your life gets turned into a Netflix series. What would the show be called, and who would you want to play you on screen?
- Unscripted, Gabriel Macht
If you’d like to support Hardus on his journey to the crown, keep an eye on the official Mr & Miss Pretoria Gay Pride channels for ticket information and ways to show your encouragement. Every share, and word of support helps lift voices like his higher, turning pageantry into genuine progress.
A huge thank you to Hardus for sharing his time and thoughts with me. Whatever happens on that stage, he’s already made an impact by standing up and stepping forward.
Go get that crown, Hardus — the community is cheering you on.
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