A LGBTQ campaigner has become the only finalist from the south east to be shortlisted for a national competition.

Jordan Chan, from Halfway, Sheppey, has become one of nine in the running for Mr Gay Great Britain - a pageant with a political twist.

The contest is held annually and is judged by panellists consisting of celebrities, MPs and the Duchess of Northumberland, Jane Percy.

But there’s no cash prize, car or holiday for the title winner.

Instead, Mr Gay GB will have the opportunity to attend and address parliament on LGBTQ issues and be an advisor to the equalities minister.

Jordan said: “It's a big deal, you know it's an opportunity to drive positive change for the community.

“I want to give a voice to the people that feel they don't have one, or feel that they're not able to go out there and say the things that need to be said.”

The 31-year-old is a volunteer in his community, often helping out with Swale Pride and trying to create safe spaces for LGBTQ members - but says he wants to do more.

Jordan applied for the competition last year and waited six months to hear back.

After being told he was one of nine to be shortlisted in January, he could not tell anyone until March when organisers made an announcement.

“It was very painstaking in a way - I had to keep it under wraps and top secret for three months.

“It was overwhelming but in a good way - I've got a good sense of responsibility.

“I don't take it lightly - I want to be a good role model and I want to be the person that I wish I had [as a role model] when I was growing up.”

He said advocating for his community is more important than ever in the lead-up to the general election.

“You know some parties are talking about unpicking the Equality Act which has been decades and decades of hard work that people have done to protect our rights,” he added.

“We shouldn't take things for granted, we should always protect our rights, always be looking over our shoulder because there will be people that come along to try and take it away.

“I just want to do what's right and I want to be on the right side of history.”

The Mr Gay GB final will be held in Northumberland on August 26.

In order to take the title, Jordan must compete in several rounds, including a Mr Congeniality one, sit an exam on LGBTQ history and catwalk a runway.

There will also be a social media competition across Facebook and Instagram with each like counting as a vote - Jordan’s pages can be found here and here.

Each contestant must raise as much money as possible for charity before August 19.

The finalist said: “I've raised £1,200 so far. I've done a six-hour bike ride, cycled 70 miles and got the Mayor of Swale to come.

“I've got different fundraising events all over Kent, working with different queer venues to try and raise awareness and money.”

On potentially winning, Jordan said: “I would probably cry - I would be completely overwhelmed, very emotional and very proud to be given the opportunity to be a voice for people.

“Obviously it would mean the world but even if I don't win, I'm still going to continue doing what I do and try to make a difference.”