Gayographic, Beijing's only gay PR and event management company, is behind a competition to find the first Mr Gay China.

A spokesman for the company said:
"We hope to send out a message to the Chinese public that the gay community is here and it's healthy, sexy, trendy."

So far there have been twelve applicants from all over China. The winner will go on to Oslo in February to compete in The Worldwide Mr Gay Pageant.

The Chinese contestants will have to compete in three rounds which will comprise a fashion show, an underwear section and a freestyle round where they can do anything that they want. This round replaces the traditional talent round which, it was thought, might  discourage potential applicants.

Many of those entering the competition aren't out to friends and family, although one commented that his participation would out him "whether he liked it or not".