Jonathan (Jony) Berry, a successful model, advocate, actor, comedian, and public speaker, has added another prestigious title to his impressive career—Mr Universe. Berry, a proud gay Indigenous man, took to Instagram on August 26 to share his joy and gratitude, thanking those who have supported him throughout his journey.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and who made this possible,” Berry wrote, acknowledging the collective effort that has been crucial to his success. His achievement resonates far beyond the personal, as Berry has long been a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and Indigenous rights.

 

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Berry’s advocacy work is rooted in his role as the Palawa representative on the Advisory Committee for Sydney World Pride 2023, a position that has allowed him to make significant contributions to both the LGBTQ+ and First Nations communities. He recently participated in his first Pride parade, marking a milestone in his ongoing commitment to these causes.

In an interview with The National Indigenous Times (NIT), Berry expressed his deep sense of responsibility and pride in representing both Australia and the broader First Nations community as Mr Universe. “It’s an immense honor and a great responsibility to represent both Australia and the broader First Nations community,” he said. “This opportunity allows me to showcase the richness of our culture and advocate for greater representation.”

Looking forward, Berry is excited about expanding his advocacy efforts and continuing his public speaking engagements. He also revealed plans to collaborate with Indigenous artists on various creative projects, including voicing popular characters and exploring new avenues in film and comedy.

“Winning Mr Universe is just the beginning,” Berry remarked to NIT. “I’m eager to continue pushing boundaries in my advocacy work, and I look forward to bringing more visibility to our stories through film, comedy, and other creative endeavors.”

Jonathan Berry’s triumph as the first gay Indigenous Mr Universe not only highlights his personal achievements but also amplifies the voices and stories of the communities he represents, making his victory a significant moment in the ongoing fight for greater inclusion and representation.