“Mister England” Vince Torres chatted about with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos competing in the 2024 Mister Universe pageant this December.
Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Vince Torres.
Mister Universe 2024 competition
On competing for Mister Universe, Torres said, “It feels like a privilege to be given this platform. The perfect opportunity to make a real impact on the areas that matter the most to me, LGBTQ+ rights and climate action.”
The Mister Universe finals will be held from December 15th to the 22nd in Los Angeles, California.
Representing England
Torres opened up about representing England. “I think that I’m the perfect representation of modern Britain,” he said. “It’s a country that embraces diversity and multiculturalism as a driving force of development.”
“I moved to London from Spain at the age of 22, looking for a better future. It has not been a bed of roses, but through it all I came out stronger. Now I have dual citizenship and I feel that I truly belong to both countries. Representing my adoptive country in an international contest means the world to me. I love England, its values, and its people with all my heart,” he elaborated.
Daily motivations
On his daily motivations, he said, “I really love my job. I work as a Mechanical Design Engineer designing and developing consumer electronics. It’s a very exciting and creative job that keeps me motivated. I also love going to the gym, which helps me so much with my mental health.”
An advocacy for the environment
He opened up about his advocacy for the environment. “As a kid in primary school, my Arts teacher taught me the importance of looking after the environment,” he said.
“This is why since I was young I have been litter-picking, volunteering for organizations such as Planet Patrol and The Marine Conservation Society. I’m also deeply involved in supporting the most vulnerable in the LGBTQ+ community, by actively volunteering for AKT charity (Albert Kennedy Trust),” he elaborated. T
“This organization helps 16 – 25 year-olds at risk or currently experiencing homelessness. I know how it feels to be young and queer, trying to live your life in your own terms. The discrimination, the prejudice and the obstacles you face. This is why I feel the need to help those coming behind me to be their authentic selves without fear of repercussions,” he added.
Future plans
On his future plans, he remarked, “Being openly gay in the early 2000s led to situations in which I was made to feel ‘dirty’ and deserted. For this reason, if I win this contest I will be donating 10 percent of the prize to ‘akt’, the only national charity specializing in LGBTQ+ homelessness.”
“I really want to help the LGBTQ+ youth overcome any obstacles that they may encounter for being their authentic selves.I see myself in 5 years using my platform to give voice to those that are ignored and neglected, and to help mitigate the aggressions that the LGBTQ+ community is suffering,” he added.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Torres said, “The digital age is exhausting. It feels like I never rest! This is why I sometimes need to take a break and detox from social media.”
Advice for hopefuls
For young and aspiring bodybuilders, models and content creators, he said, “Do not compare yourself to others! Focus on yourself. Try to be the best version of yourself without looking next to you. We are all different.”
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, he revealed, “Success means perseverance, hard work, passion and determination.”
Message for his fans and supporters
For his fans and supporters, he said, “Thank you. Thank you for supporting me and making me feel so empowered and loved. We all need each other and we are stronger together.”
To learn more about Vince Torres, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on Mister Universe, check out its Instagram page.
