(Adds Danish event organizer, Silva comments, recasts)
RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Dressed as a mermaid with shells covering his nipples, Brazilian Murilo Sousa voiced hope that the record number of openly gay athletes at the Rio Games would boost acceptance in his South American nation, amid a backlash over same-sex marriage.
Wearing a fishy tail made of silver fabric, Souza won a competition for the best mermaid at the Danish Olympic Delegation's pavilion on Ipanema beach on Sunday, a night of fun to celebrate diversity at the Games.
"The LGBT community in Brazil is going to have another face besides Carnival.