Mr Gay Syria jeers Islamic State jihadis who beheaded his boyfriend

Mr Sabat's boyfriend Zakaria was executed by fanatics who then sent a clip of his death to friends and family.

The 24-year-old claims he hates the brutal terror cell more than he fears them.

He said: "I want to show that Syrian gays are not just bodies thrown off buildings by ISIS. We have dreams and ideas and we want to live our lives.

"Of course we were nervous but we we're excited - we all wanted to be Mr Gay Syria to do something empowering."

Speaking about his boyfriend's death, he said: "I was with Zakaria for four years, but three years ago ISIS beheaded him.

"They sent the execution video to his family - his mother almost went crazy and I couldn't speak for a month."

The competition gave five men three minutes to show off their performance skills.

One contestant, Wissam, donned a mankini, high heels and Minnie Mouse ears in a bid show another side of the war-torn country.Mr Sabat left Syria two years ago when ISIS began shelling his hometown of Afrin in Northern Aleppo.

But he still faces abuse in Istanbul where he was beaten by thugs nine months ago.

He added: "Everyone is scared of ISIS but it doesn't stop me from living my life. I won't let them be a barrier and I hate them more than I'm scared."

(dailystar.co.uk)