Gay Bachelor No Pricks from a Rose

There will be no handing out of red roses for the gay bachelor -- we've learned all the dudes will be vying for a black tie.

Sources close to production tell us the major difference between "Finding Prince Charming" and "The Bachelor" -- apart from the same sex thing -- is the ceremonial red rose that gets people through to the next round.

Instead, the 13 guys competing for Robert Sepulveda Jr. will walk up to him on elimination day in hopes of getting something around their necks.

Upside: No thorns when the show premieres Thursday on Logo.

Gay Bachelor Cast Member Reveals He's HIV Positive

One of the 13 suitors trying to hook up with TV's first gay bachelor is HIV positive, and even though producers were aware, they kept the cast in the dark ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Robert Sepulveda Jr. -- the "Finding Prince Charming" bachelor -- got the bombshell news early on during taping, and we're told the reveal will become a focal point. Our sources tell us producers think the show will resonate with straight and gay viewers, and educate the audience.

As for the reveal itself -- we're told it was emotional and Robert was supportive of the cast member.

The show's already been taped, but no word on whether the HIV positive guy was chosen after opening up about his diagnosis.

'Finding Prince Charming' First Gay Bachelor Faces A Banging Problem

WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS ROSE?
TMZ.com

Reality TV's first gay bachelor will have an uphill battle in the "Finding Prince Charming" mansion ... and it's all about his suitors hooking up ... with everyone BUT him.

Well, that's the theory anyway about Robert Sepulveda Jr. and the guys who are supposed to be vying for his attention. Not everyone sees it going down that way, and we got into a heated debate about it on "TMZ Live."

Gay 'Bachelor' A Rose with a Hose

Move over, Chris Soules ... there's a new bachelor in town. The good news ... he's not after your girl.

We've learned the Logo network is shooting a gay 'bachelor' show, and the prize is Robert Sepulveda Jr. He's an interior designer with Puerto Rican roots who now lives in ATL. In case you didn't notice, Robbie's in good shape.

Our production sources say 13 male contestants have been cast and the show is filming at an L.A. mansion.

The show is called "Finding Prince Charming" and it's hosted by Lance Bass.

There might be a rub. We're told the show is not a spinoff of "The Bachelor," and it's unclear whether producers of the OG show might have a problem with the knockoff.

No word on when the show will premiere on Logo.

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!