Rising Gay Icons

[pinest]

I think that Harvey Feirstein has done so much for the gay community by speaking openly and honestly about gay rights and so forth.He's a great role model for young gay youth who are just coming out.

 

[RobinGoodfellow]

About time someone mentioned Harvey....There's way too many pop icons in the list and not enough actual icons. I can also see Lance Bass (major pop star who outed himself). Of course, if I wanted to throw in a pop star, it would Cher, but only because she's one of the few that's earned it (ie, done things for gay causes more than just made music).

TR Knight I can't really call an icon; he's a great actor, but he's only known for being outed by He Who Shall Not Be Named. If you wanted to go that route Shawn Pyfrom (sp?) is a better bet, as he created one of the best known gay characters, even if he is straight. I would also nominate Gale Harold and Ryan Harrison, as well as the other main characters from QAF, as well as Sean Hayes (and not for "Just Jack"!) for showing different aspects of being gay. Of course, it would be hard to not mention Rock Hudson, even though his homosexuality was only revealed after his death. Just for some youth, I'd throw in Jonathan Taylor Thomas; he may straight, but his willingness to play gay characters and his role in Common Ground should count for something (as well as Stephen Weber, and do I really need to mention Jeffrey (one of the best AIDS movies?).

As far as other actors go, I'd really debate them; too many actors have played gay roles, but not enough have developed gay characters are done much for the cause. Alexis Arquette is a star in this mold; do you really want to see him as an icon?

Although it may weird to include fictional characters, I would need to include Northstar (as the first mainstream gay superhero), Midnight and Apollo (gay superheroes that had actual power, and whose writers have fun with their sexuality), and George Lipincott (who is probably the best fictional icon here, even though he was one of the best to represent AIDS (from Doonesbury, BTW)). I know that there would be votes for Anole, but I'd prefer that Hulkling and Wiccan get the vote.

Of course, I would need to include Michaelangelo; I just wish I could remember other historical figures, but he should be an excellent for the rest.

Too bad the article is theoretically done with...

RG

 

[translation]

Kathy Griffin
Kelly Clarkson

 

[bokan800]

Margaret Cho

 

[Cammtl]

Johnathan Rhys Meyers.

 

[falconfan]

This thread is ridiculously old, and I'm sorry to bump it--but I was reading through my old threads and had to respond.

This sentence doesn't make sense. Who is to say that isn't the whole REASON they have a large gay fan base in the first place?

Secondly, an icon is not JUST defined as someone who people aspire to be like.

"One who is the object of great attention and devotion"

That's pulled from the webster dictionary.

That sentence makes perfect sense (even if I do never properly punctuate). They may have a large gay fan base because they're good at what they do, but the size of your gay fan base and your success in both with your career and in a more humanitarian sense are not directly proportional. Which is why having a large gay fanbase is not an adequate indicator. You can judge that based on someones actions not on the size of their fanbase.

As for the definition of icon you're right it probably shouldn't be some random person who no one has ever heard of but realistically anyone who is accomplished and respected in their field can be considered an icon.

 

[kurya]

Margeret Cho definitely, but I browsed this thread and one person missing.... He was in Transamerica, Kevin Zegers...I remember at the time he was very appreciative of his gay fanbase. I do not know if he is an icon yet...but I think he is a rising one.

 

[RobinGoodfellow]

But that's sort straight to the question...Can a straight person who does little actual benefit for the gay community be considered a gay icon? That is, Zeigers looks great, and have a gay fanbase, but does that qualify him as specifically a gay icon? Not just an icon in general, but one of the gay community.

It's sort of why I think that Cher is a gay icon and Madonna's not; Madonna may use a lot of ga dancers, but everything she has done for the gay community is more related to her supporting the world in general. Cher, on the other hand, has shown a lot of support for the gay community, and she has done stuff specifically to make her part of the gay community. Even when both guest-starred on Will & Grace, it was different: Madonna was more of stand-off character, whereas Cher had fun with it.

Madonna has some incredible talent and has definitely earned her place in history. However, whereas Cher has her own fame and talent, and lots of it, she has actually taken pains to establish herself as part of the gay community. In short, Madonna is not a gay icon, even though she is an icon, she is not specifically a gay icon, whereas Cher is both...

RG

 

[roguehunter]

im a rising gay icon

 

[leokitty]

How about John Barrowman?

 

[assortment]

mikalah gordon (from american idol) has made at least two appearances as a gay club as well as LA Pride in 06 (i think).

 

[jhmphx]

Kathy Griffin definitely.
How about Robbie Williams?
Magaret Cho?
Cyndi Lauper and everyone that Rainbow tour seem appropriate.
Tim Gunn? And all of Bravo.
I don't know how "rising" these are but maybe this suggests other places to think about.

 

[RobertE]

Jim McGreevy is a Gay Icon for me. I know he prob wouldn't have come out of the closet if it weren't for the scandle, but I still admire him.

Also Tab Hunter and Lance Bass.