Mr Gay UK annual competition is the gay man's answer to Miss World. The finalists gather in September at G.A.Y.E. London to see who will win the coveted title of Mr Gay UK and and grand prize of a stack of cash, a holiday and modelling work.

Richie winning the Birmingham Mr Gay UK title

Gorgeous Richie Moore is just 21, but this is the second time he's been crowned Mr Gay UK Birmingham.

"I didn't expect to win but hoped I got placed - I'd like to think I was better than I was 4 years ago."

Is Mr Gay UK just about beautiful boys?

"Fundamentally its a beauty pageant, but they're looking for personality as well as looks - not just someone to gawp at - it's about being an ambassador for the gay community."

Is it bitchy - do other boys try to streak your bronzer?

"<Laughs> Everyone seems to get along - we have a bonding session where we get to meet each other and it's not as bitchy as you would think. There'll be the odd person who says 'oo look at the state of her', but it's not that bad."

Richie winning the Birmingham Mr Gay UK title

Are you comfortable stripping to your pants in front of a crowd for the underwear round?

"After a few sweet sherries - yes! <laughs>. The crowd can be raucous - they like to see a bit of flesh and there aren't many introverted gay men."

Coming out

"I am completely different to 4 years ago - when I first came out, because I my age, I thought I should be wearing three quarter length trousers, a cut off top and be as camp as a row of chiffon tents! It's er, not like that at all!

"I realised I was gay just before I turned 17 - or I accepted it I should say. I was always aware of it, and I always knew, but I didn't accept it until I was 17.

"I told my best friend at the time on New Year's Eve, and my mum actually asked me if I was gay."

Richie in his longer hair days (or is it David Beckham?)

I'm gay!

"Im 100 per cent happy within myself now and I'm not ashamed to tell anybody. I think I can be a good representative for the gay community.

"I would stand up in front of a packed football stadium and say I'm gay and you could throw as much abuse at me as you like and it wouldn't harm me. I've got that confidence now its made me a stronger person."

How's the Birmingham scene?

"I'm never off it! I got out nearly every night of the week. It's a very friendly scene in Birmingham. Anybody will talk to anybody in Birmingham. London is more hostile and Manchester is quite pretentious. We've got afterclubs, camp parties - very much a 'villagey' feel."

Richie will be out and about at Birmingham Pride 2004

Are you out parading in your sash at Pride?

"Yes I'll be there all Pride weekend. Don't know about a sash though <laugh>."

Tiara maybe?

"Ooh don't know about that <laugh>, bit camp for me love! I'll have a couple of banners with photos of me and my telephone number for registering your vote for me for the Mr Gay UK heat final. I'll also be involved in compering and personal appearances."

Will you be perched on a throne with a crown fit for a queen?

"Possibly <laughs> I'll definitely be there for the parade - I'll be out and about as always having a laugh which is what it's all about."

Richie will be out and about enjoying Pride and campaigning for your vote to get him through to the Mr Gay UK finals - but hands off guys - this boy is taken!