Actually, now that I think about it, I am convinced that Smedley has hit on it.

When I think back, the first time I remember hearing the expression was from a twenty-something aspiring fashion designer, who by definition must have been accustomed to being surrounded by a gay entourage.

The other times I recollect hearing it have been on "house makeover" shows on daytime TV (my wife watches these, I have to suffer them occasionally) and the male presenters on these shows are all gay , so yes, I think we have nailed the origin of the expression.