Kerem (29): “Mister Elections are the new women’s football”

With his title Mister Global Netherlands he fights for more equality in the election world. “The world has turned around; now the men have nothing. No brand awareness and a few insignificant sponsors.”

Kerem lives with his friend in the heart of Amsterdam. He works at a law firm and can call himself Mister Global Netherlands since last month. “A very special event because I, a boy of 1.75 meters with normal build, won. With my title I want to change this pageant world. We are always done with the same type of men: muscular with a six pack and 1.85 meters tall. This needs to change drastically. I stand for body positivity† Give me that runway and I’ll rock that stage with my energy and charisma.”

Mister Global once started as a one-off event in Thailand, but has now grown into the largest Mister Election in the world. “The participants in Mister Global inspire others to pursue their dreams and goals,” Robin, organizer of Mister Global Netherlands told NH Nieuws. “On their own social media platform, the gentlemen call for awareness of social problems within society. Internationally, the Misters are also committed to the environment.”

Calvinistic slant

Miss Elections are highly regarded in countries such as America and Brazil. It blew over from America to the Netherlands in 1929 and was always weighed down by a lot of media criticism. Just before the war, in 1937, the concept disappeared completely and only returned in the 1950s. Mister Elections are fairly new in the Netherlands, Robin explains. “Because of our Calvinistic slant, this country is looked down a bit beauty pageant† But in countries like America, Asia and South America it is huge†

Major sponsors with free clothing, air travel and media attention; it is not possible for a Mister like Kerem. He hopes to change that with his title. “Miss Nederland is a well-known organization through which they are sponsored much more than the Misters, why? They do nothing other than us men on stage. The ladies are interviewed by the media, receive paid air travel and clothing from sponsors for promotion. men don’t. I had to walk the catwalk in my own shoes.”

He does receive a lot of positive reactions and support from countries such as India, Indonesia, Thailand and America. “I got a message from a boy from Nigeria, who told me that he was so inspired by my story that he is going to sign up for Mister Global Nigeria.”

Now he also hopes to reach and inspire Dutch men. “But we are Calvinists with sayings such as: ‘Modesty is good for people’ and ‘Just act normal, then you are already crazy enough’. I hope I can put Mister Elections better on the map, for example by telling my story at open-minded festivals this summer. I’m trying to stay positive, but I’m under no illusions: we’ll never get as much exposure and attention as in countries like America. That’s really not going to work.”

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There is no lack of ambitious ideas, but is it realistic? Are Miss and Mister Elections still relevant at all? And can you fight for body positivity in a world where it is mainly about beauty and appearance? “We now have a Miss with a large scar on her face and in the Mister Election a boy is participating with albinism”, Robin responds. “We also see that more and more transgenders, gays and lesbians are participating. Nowadays we really look a bit further, but we always have to deal with international standards and rules. You have to be really in good shape to participate, so that everyone is slim and fit, it automatically comes into play.”

This also proves to be a difficult issue for Kerem. “People always say that looks don’t matter, but hello: of course it does. I was also approached by the organization because of my photos, precisely because I have my appearance with me. If I only had my smooth chat, they would invited me too?”