In a first for a country that still lists homosexuality as "immoral," China crowned its first Mr. Gay over the weekend.
Meng Fanyu won the franchise's inaugural pageant in the country. While government authorities shut down the pageant in 2010, organizers Tontou said there saw no problems during the event.
Even in the world's most populous country, few LGBTs are represented or out. Many of the contestants expressed that coming out in China still poses risks from their families and local authorities.
"I want to stand on the world stage and say to people, 'I'm gay, and I'm from China,' and show them that the LGBT movement in China is vibrant and active," Meng told The Guardian.
