Now I know why Ronald McDonald's always smiling

Here in the 21st century, we're fortunate to have so many places where gays can congregate - nightclubs, bars, the public toilets at Kings Cross. But if you really want to be where the boys are, there's a new venue to pencil into the back of your Spartacus Guide - and it's marked by a pair of golden arches.

According to a bold new ad running in France, McDonalds is the latest gay hotspot, inviting you to 'come as you are' - giving a vital clue as to what goes into that special sauce.

The ad features a handsome young man mooching over a class photo and whispering sweet nothings into his mobile, as his Dad buys them both lunch. Returning to the table, Dad reminisces about his school days as a ladies man, and laments the fact that his son goes to an all-boys school. Zing.

It's a bold move for a company which represents the ne plus ultra of American big business, and one which might encourage other corporations to take notice of the fact that gays use their products and services too.

More excitingly, it offers a tantalising glimpse into the potential for a new hanky code - enabling fast-food-favouring gays to send subtle signals about their sexual proclivities using harmless menu items.

Just looking for a quick, no-frills hook-up? That'll be a Big Mac. Like them young? A McChicken sandwich it is. More than one at a time? Gotta be the McNuggets. And chubby chasers can content themselves with a Quarter Pounder.

Gym bunnies can go for a garden salad, and bisexuals can opt for the Filet-O-Fish. On the other hand, if you order the Chocolate thick shake, you're letting everyone know that you're into the kind of depravity seldom seen outside of Ancient Rome.

One thing's for sure, everyone's going to say yes when given the opportunity to 'go large'.