Judy Garland. Bea Arthur. Cher. Britney Spears? These are just some of the names that might be heard when the phrase "gay icon" comes into play. Oftentimes, the label can become controversial, prompting us to ask "What exactly has this person done to make us put them on a pedestal?" And then there are the cases where the placement makes complete sense (at least to some of us).
So who do you consider to be a gay icon? Though the images above may be misleading, take into account that you don't have to be female to fit the requirements, as is the case with Heath Ledger or George Takei. And I'm anticipating a generational divide on this one, so let's respect one another and the places we're coming from!
– Dewitt
Christina Aguilera, Lady GaGa, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt.
I love Britney’s music, but what exactly has she done for the gay community??…haha
Well, in my mind, there are three major ‘Gay’ icons. The first one is Elton John. As far as I know, he is the first openly gay musician, and he’s one hell of a musician. Another major ‘Gay’ icon is Heath Ledger, as you said. Not only did he further the truth about homosexuality, and how people struggle to cover it sometimes, he also brought to light the hardships gay men can face. And finally, Ellen Degeneres. She is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most iconic lesbian people in history.
While he’s not one of the top three, another person that I’d like to point out is Ru Paul. He has made his name as a very famous, and very pretty, cross dresser. And, in all honesty, he’s the hottest chick I’ve ever seen.
A few above that were mentioned have been great.
Ellen Degeneres for sure. She is the perfect example of how gay advocates should act. She has poise and tact, but certainly stands up for what she believes in, not just equality for gays but for everyone and everything else as well (including animals). She’s a true humanitarian (in my mind).
I like the idea of Christina Aguilera because she truly stood up for being proud of who you are no matter what you are, when I don’t think it was especially kosher to do so. (altho lets not pretend this was in the 1950s, she’s just a character that stands out from my generation)
I never really saw Madonna as a gay icon. Yes, the gays love her, but I never saw her as a true advocate for us. There are a few blips here and there I suppose where she voices her support.
I would also like to point out Drew Barrymore and Kathy Griffin. Both incredible in their own ways and very strong advocates for gay equality.
Brad Pitt has impressed me lately (I was a bit surprised).
My thoughts on Lady Gaga, don’t get me started. I feel that deserves a discussion all on it’s own. She’s certainly something isn’t she?
Ellen
Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen DeGeneres, and Ellen DeGeneres. She strives to be a good role model for everyone by not passing judgment on anybody and standing up for human rights and not just gay rights. So those are my 3 gay icons.
In 4th would be Brad Pitt, and 5th Kathy Griffin. I’m not sure the latter is a gay advocate because she means it or because she’s an F list celeb but whatever the case it works.
ellen degeneres, cher, britney spears, christina agularia, madonna, heath ledger and brad pitt. these are my main gay icons
KATE BUSH is the only one worth mentioning.
Elton John because he is not only openly gay, but a great musician. Janet Jackson has been an advocate since her Velvet Rope album and has followed up with actually doing stuff for the community. Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Patrick Harris, and George Takei are all openly gay actors and actresses. Though Madonna is overly rated, she still has icon status because she is always vocal about her support. As for Lady Gaga, I think she is a raising icon. Thoughts on her music and appearance aside, she has been vocal about her sexual orientation and support of the LGBTQ community from the start. At this point i’m going to withhold full judgment of her until later in her career, but once again I will admit she is a raising icon. These aren’t the only icons and I agree with a lot of the ones mentioned above.
Lady Gaga, hands down, she’s a genius
By definition an icon is an important and enduring symbol. While those mentioned are great supporters, my own personal icons are RYAN WHITE, MATTHEW SHEPARD, LAWRENCE KING, PEDRO ZAMORA…..to name but a few.
Varla Jean Merman
What about Eleanor Roosevelt? She did a lot to help people – wasn’t she a dyke?
Madonna, Madonna, Madonna! I started listening to her at 11 years old and her in your face approach to all things gay made me comfortable coming out.
Ellen and Elton, for sure!
no one’s mentioned Tori Amos. She is a fierce women’s and gay right’s advocate.
Britney Spears, Madonna, Ellen Degeneres and Roseanne are some of my favorite gay icons.
I’m from the “old school” lol. So personally, I wouldn’t consider Ellen to be a gay icon. That’s only because gay icons were usually either a female performer, singer, or actress that gay men looked up to and wanted to be like. For instance, I definitely consider Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cher, Patty Labelle etc. to be gay icons.
OMG I created an account here just now, just so I can speak out about how what a real shame it is that nobody sees Anastacia as not only a gay icon, but just one of the best singers of all time!! Has she been forgotten in America?:( She’s had countless hits besides the typical two songs Americans only really know “I’m Outta Love”, and “One Day In Your Life” ya know!
Janet Jackson. She has performed at NYC gay pride event for the gays, wrote her song TOGETHER AGAIN, about the friends she has lost to AIDS, not to mention donated her proceeds of that single to AIDS charities. Her album velvet rope had the song “FREE XONE” which preached that love is love, regardless of your sexual orientation and she left the words as is in her remake of Rod Stewart’s TONIGHTS THE NIGHT, leaving some to beleive she was bisexual. She also had m/m and f/f kissing in her ALL NIGHT DONT STOP video. Some gays like to proclaim people as an GAY ICON, but they dont do much for that status. Has gaga done anything for the gays except say she loves them, maybe in part because she herself is bi? Has she donated any time or money to any gay affiliated charities? Has madonna? It takes more than love to be a gay icon.
britney spears sucks dog turd
Owen Pallet, Kele Okereke, and Jonsi (of Sigur Ros).