Gay icon

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Saint Sebastian, history's first recorded LGBT icon.
Saint Sebastian, history's first recorded LGBT icon.

A gay icon or LGBT icon is a historical figure, celebrity or public figure who is embraced by many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities; the term Dykon, a portmanteau of the words "dyke" and "icon," has recently entered the lexicon as a word to describe lesbian icons.[1]

Qualities of a gay icon often include glamour, flamboyance, strength through adversity, and androgyny. Such icons may be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgendered; they may also be closeted or open with their sexual orientation and gender identity. Although most gay icons have given their support to LGBT social movements, some have endorsed their opposition, advocating against the homosexual agenda.

Historical icons are typically elevated to such status because their sexual orientation remains a topic of great debate among historians. Modern day icons, who are predominantly female entertainers, typically garner a large following within the gay community over the course of their careers. The majority of gay icons fall into one of two categories- the tragic, sometimes suicidal figure or the prominent pop culture idol.

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[edit] Historical examples

The earliest gay icon was Saint Sebastian.[2] The combination of his strong, shirtless physique, the symbolism of the arrows penetrating his body, and the look on his face of rapturous pain have intrigued artists both gay and straight for centuries; and began the first explicitly gay cult in the 19th century.[2] Richard A. Kaye wrote, "contemporary gay men have seen in Sebastian at once a stunning advertisement for homosexual desire (indeed, a homoerotic ideal), and a prototypical portrait of tortured closet case."[3] Due to Saint Sebastian's status as gay icon, Tennessee Williams chose to use that name for the martyred character Sebastian in his play, Suddenly, Last Summer.[4] The name was also used by Oscar Wilde—as Sebastian Melmoth—when in exile after his release from prison, as is Little Britain character Sebastian, tortured in his unreturned love for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Marie Antoinette was an early lesbian icon. Rumors about her relationships with women had been circulated in pornographic detail by anti-royalist pamphlets before the French Revolution. In Victorian England, biographers who idealized the Ancien Régime made a point of denying the rumors, but at the same time romanticized Marie Antoinette's "sisterly" friendship with the Princesse de Lamballe as—in the words of an 1858 biography—one of the "rare and great loves that Providence unites in death."[5] By the end of the 19th century she was a cult icon of "sapphism;" her execution, seen as tragic martrydom, may have added to her appeal. Allusions to her appear in early 20th century lesbian literature, most notably Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness, where the gay playwright Jonathan Brockett describes Marie Antoinette and de Lamballe as "poor souls... sick to death of the subterfuge and pretenses."[6] She had crossover appeal as a gay icon as well, at least for Jean Genet, who was fascinated by her story. He included a reenactment of her execution in his 1947 play The Maids.[5]

[edit] Modern examples

Judy Garland as "Dorothy Gale" in The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Judy Garland as "Dorothy Gale" in The Wizard of Oz (1939).

[edit] In entertainment

Modern gay icons in entertainment include both film stars and musicians, most of whom have strong, distinctive personalities, and many of whom died young or under tragic circumstances. These individuals may be homosexual or straight, closeted or out, and male or female along with biological or transsexual. The women most commonly portrayed by drag queens are usually gay icons.

An archetypal gay icon is Judy Garland.[7] So revered is she as a gay icon that her best known film role, that of Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz, became used as code among homosexuals in the 1950s. The expression, "Is he a friend of Dorothy?" was slang for, "Is he gay?"

Garland's daughter Liza Minnelli would later follow in her mother's footsteps as a gay icon, as would fellow musicals star Barbra Streisand.

The first gay icon of the underground gay disco scene in the 1970s was Donna Summer, whose dance songs became anthems for the clubbing gay community. While stars such as Garland, Minnelli and Streisand were mainly associated with showtunes, Summer was the first "disco" gay icon and would later be followed by other artists such as Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor and Cher, while later in the 1980s, people such as Janet Jackson and Madonna.

Oscar Wilde, Irish author, humorist and "dandy," who was about as "out of the closet" as was possible for the late 1800s, is also considered to be a gay icon.[8]

Others who are or have been considered icons in the LGBT community include:

Lesbian icons are most often powerful women who are, or are rumored to be, lesbian or bisexual.[16] However, a few male entertainers have also had iconic status for lesbians. James Dean was an early lesbian icon[46] who, along with Marlon Brando, influenced the butch look and self-image in the 1950s[47] and after.[48][49] One critic has argued for Johnny Cash as a minor lesbian icon, attributing his appeal to "lesbian identification with troubled and suffering masculinity."[50] Science fiction author Forrest J Ackerman was dubbed an "honorary lesbian" for his help during the early days of the Daughters of Bilitis. He also wrote lesbian-themed fiction under the pseudonym Laurajean Ermayne.

Though most gay icons are to be found in the English-speaking world, the concept is to be found in other cultures, as well. Dalida, the Egyptian singer of Italian origin, had a career-long gay following that extended out of Paris and well into the Middle-east. In the years since her death, her iconic status has not diminished.[51][52] Likewise, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan was recently declared to be a gay icon in a national poll in India. Though homosexuality still carries a stigma in India, he was quoted as saying that "Appreciation and love from any quarter is welcome," and that though he is straight, himself, he was comfortable with having a large fan base among gay men.[53][54]

[edit] In sports

Martina Navratilova,[16] David Beckham,[9][55] and Billie Jean King are all seen as gay icons.[56] In Beckham's case, it is his combination of athletic prowess, good looks and flamboyant private life; in the case of King and Navratilova, it has more to do with their strength of character after coming out respectively as bisexual and lesbian.

[edit] In politics

In the political arena, gay icons are represented by, among others, Princess Diana,[57] Coretta Scott King,[58] Abraham Lincoln,[59] Margaret Thatcher,[60] Winnie Mandela,[61] Michelle Duvalier, Eva Peron,[62] Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis[citation needed] and Imelda Marcos.[60] Russian President Vladimir Putin recently gained gay icon status after stripping off his shirt and striking several virile poses during a holiday in the Siberian mountains[63] These individuals have been lionized for their strength, style, compassion, or work for equal rights. An ironic icon is Anita Bryant,[60] in that—while her work has opposed homosexuality[64]—her extravagant persona has been embraced by many in the gay community, particularly drag queens.

[edit] Responses

Cyndi Lauper performed in a rainbow dress at the closing ceremonies of Gay Games VII.
Cyndi Lauper performed in a rainbow dress at the closing ceremonies of Gay Games VII.

Many celebrities have responded positively to being regarded as gay icons. Several have noted the loyalty of their gay fans; Eartha Kitt and Cher credited gay fans with keeping them going at times when their careers had faltered.[65] Kylie Minogue has acknowledged the perception of her as a gay icon and has performed at such events as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Asked to explain the reason for her large gay fanbase Minogue replied, "It's always difficult for me to give the definitive answer because I don't have it. My gay audience has been with me from the beginning... they kind of adopted me." She noted that she differed from many gay icons who were seen as tragic figures, with the comment, "I've had a lot of tragic hairdos and outfits. I think that makes up for it!"[66]

Televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker—an unlikely gay icon who has been called "the ultimate drag queen"[67]—said in her last interview with Larry King that, "When I went - when we lost everything, it was the gay people that came to my rescue, and I will always love them for that."[68]

Others have been more ambivalent. Mae West, a gay icon from the early days of her career, supported gay rights but bristled when her performance style was referred to as camp.[69] Judy Garland gained iconic status in part by acknowledging gay fans' existence at a time when few would, but her attitude toward her gay following was ambiguous.[70]

Madonna has acknowledged and embraced her gay following throughout her career, she even made several references to the gay community in her songs or performances, and performed at several gay clubs. She has declared in interviews that some of her best friends are gay and that she adores gays and refers to herself as "the biggest gay icon of all times."[71]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Euan Ferguson, Daniela's still dying for it; February 16, 2003; Retrieved on 2007-02-08
    All over the South-East men fell in lust with the idea of a fast lippy sexy Scot, and I'm told she also became something of a dykon, a female gay icon.
  2. ^ a b Subjects of the Visual Arts: St. Sebastian. glbtq.com (2002). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  3. ^ Kaye, Richard A. (1996). "Losing His Religion: Saint Sebastian as Contemporary Gay Martyr". Outlooks: Lesbian and Gay Sexualities and Visual Cultures. Peter Horne and Reina Lewis, eds.' 86. New York: Routledge. 
  4. ^ Tiny Rep presents Suddenly, Last Summer (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  5. ^ a b Fraser, Antonia (2001). Marie Antoinette: The Journey. New York: Anchor, 449. ISBN 0-385-48949-8. 
  6. ^ Castle, Terry (1993). The Apparitional Lesbian: Female Homosexuality and Modern Culture. New York: Columbia University Press, 126-149 and 261n56. ISBN 0-231-07652-5. 
  7. ^ Westley, Michael (2002-08-13). Cher: Last of the Gay Icons?. Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  8. ^ Vatican comes out of the closet and embraces Oscar; Richard Owen, The Times; 2007-01-05; retrieved 2007-10-14
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Evans, Chris (2007-11-19). Ten Rising Gay icons. Blogcritics Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
  10. ^ Kylie Minogue Is 'Greatest Gay Icon' Of All Time (also mentions Andre)
  11. ^ Farmer, Brett (2003). "Stage Door Jennies". Genders 38. 
  12. ^ Tannen, Lee (2002). I Loved Lucy: My Friendship With Lucille Ball. St. Martin's Press, ISBN 0312302746. Retrieved on 2008-01-24.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Frank, Steven (2005-09-25). What Does It Take to Be a Gay Icon Today?. After Elton. Retrieved on 2008-04-24.
  14. ^ Powell, Vicky (December, 1997). Call Me Miss Bassey. Gay Times. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  15. ^ a b c Grew, Tony (2007-12-29). Gordon Ramsay 50th most popular gay icon. Pink News. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Abernethy, Michael (2006-11-16). Queer, Isn't It?: Gay Icons: Judy Who?. PopMatters. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  17. ^ Bugg, Sean (2003-05-29). Margaret Cho's Revolution. Metro Weekly. Retrieved on 2008-04-24.
  18. ^ Land, Jon (2007-05-01). Kylie is 'greatest gay icon' of all time. 24dash.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  19. ^ Express Gay News Online
  20. ^ Noel, Noel - Noel Coward's conveyed a homosexual aura, although Coward never admitted being a homesexual himself - Brief Article | Advocate, The | Find Articles at BNET.com
  21. ^ Dunn, Andrew (2001-12-25). Review: 'Dietrich' beautiful photo collection. CNN.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  22. ^ Paris Hilton Is This Year's Hottest Gay Icon
  23. ^ DISH & GOSSIP. Express Gay news (June, 2005). Retrieved on 2007-09-29.
  24. ^ La Toya Jackson Learns Life's Lessons. gaywired.com (June 2005). Retrieved on 2007-12-21.
  25. ^ Elton John. Gay.com. Retrieved on 2008-04-24.
  26. ^ Frank, Steven (2005-09-25). k.d. Lang, A Woman in Love. Advocate 40th. The Advocate. Retrieved on 2000-06-20.
  27. ^ Cyndi Lauper to Perform at National Forum. Equality Forum press release (2005-02-24). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  28. ^ Diva Annie Lennox Sings… Live…. GTMagazine (September, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-09-29.
  29. ^ Leboeuf, Tony (2005-05-03). Be My Idol. Time Out. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  30. ^ a b Lesbian and Gay Icons. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  31. ^ You ask the questions (Such as: so, Elaine Paige, have you ever sung in a karaoke bar?). The Independent (2000-06-07). Retrieved on 2008-01-29.
  32. ^ Starpulse entertainment news blog, June 18, 2007, [1]. Accessed 2008-02-27.
  33. ^ May, Leigh (2006-08-24). Debbie Reynolds To Say Goodbye. GenerationQ.com.
  34. ^ James Christopher Monger, Yahoo! Music biography. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  35. ^ Wieder, Judy (May 11, 1999), “Stop! In the name of love”, The Advocate, <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_1999_May_11/ai_54543074>. Retrieved on 2008-01-11 
  36. ^ “Joss, Lionel & Jimmy Play Dublin...”, ShowBiz Ireland, April 11, 2004, <http://www.showbizireland.com/news/november04/04-stone01.shtml>. Retrieved on 2007-11-26 
  37. ^ May, Leigh (11 May 2006). Baby One More Time: Gay icon Britney Spears is pregnant. PinkNews.co.uk.
  38. ^ Tori Spelling relishes role as gay icon
  39. ^ Welcome to Spiceworld!. The Vancouver Sun (December 7, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  40. ^ Kort, Michele. "The secret life of Dusty Springfield", The Advocate, 1999-04-27. Retrieved on 2008-04-10. 
  41. ^ THE ESCAPE ARTIST. Instinct Magazine (January, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-09-29.
  42. ^ Clodfelter, Tim (2007-06-07). Mink Stole has a role in the sequel to Eating Out. relish now!. Retrieved on 2008-03-30. “Mink Stole never set out to become a gay icon. 'While I’m thrilled with the title - it’s lovely to be considered an icon of any type.'”
  43. ^ Superman: Gay Icon? Christ Figure?. CBS news (2006-06-16). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  44. ^ Shoffman, Marc (2006-04-28). Gay icon Elizabeth Taylor close to death. Pink News. Retrieved on 2008-04-24.
  45. ^ He’s not just a gay icon—the girls love Rufus Wainwright. Monterey Country Weekly (August, 2005). Retrieved on 2008-02-27.
  46. ^ Pramaggiore, Maria (February 1997). "Fishing For Girls: Romancing Lesbians in New Queer Cinema". College Literature 24 (1): 59–75. 
  47. ^ Kennedy, Elizabeth Lapovsky; Madeline D. Davis (1994). Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community. New York: Penguin, 212-213. ISBN 0-1402-3550-7. 
  48. ^ Blackman, Inge; Kathryn Perry (1990). "Skirting the Issue: Lesbian Fashion for the 1990s". Feminist Review 0 (34): 67–78. doi:10.2307/1395306. 
  49. ^ Halberstam, Judith (1998). Female Masculinity. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 330. ISBN 0-822-32243-9. 
  50. ^ Ortega, Teresa. "'My Name is Sue! How do you do?': Johnny Cash as Lesbian Icon". In Tichi, Cecilia (1998). Reading Country Music: Steel Guitars, Opry Stars, and Honky-Tonk Bars. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 222. ISBN 0-8223-2168-8. 
  51. ^ Gay Montmartre Tour. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  52. ^ France, David (February 2007). Dying to come out:The war on gays in Iraq. GQ magazine. Retrieved on 2007-02-07.
  53. ^ Abhishek ready to be gay icon. MSN.co.in (2006-09-05). Retrieved on 2007-02-07.
  54. ^ Gay Icon Embarrassment. Asian News.co.uk (2006-11-24). Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  55. ^ Becks is a gay icon. Fox Sports (2005-07-15). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  56. ^ Lesbian tennis star becomes a pioneer for women’s rights (2006-04-26). Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  57. ^ Gage, Simon; Lisa Richards, Howard Wilmot, Boy George (2002). Queer. Thunder's Mouth Press, 17. ISBN 1560253770. 
  58. ^ O'Bryan, Will (2006-02-16). Losing an Ally: Gay leaders mourn the death of Coretta Scott King, mull the future of the King legacy for GLBT civil rights. Metro Weekly. Retrieved on 2008-04-10.
  59. ^ Invisibility: Gay Icons in U.S. History. panel event. Equality Forum 2005 (26 April 2005). Retrieved on 2007-01-16.
  60. ^ a b c Flynn, Paul (2006-05-16). Margret Thatcher: Gay Icon. The Guardian. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  61. ^ Labruce, Bruce (2000-04-13). In praise of the Bitch Goddess. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
  62. ^ Foster, David William. Sexual Textualities: Essays on Queer/Ing Latin American Writing. University of Texas Press. ISBN 0-2927-2501-9. 
  63. ^ Putin the Gay Icon; retrieved on 2007-10-14
  64. ^ Sims, Robert (April 26, 2007). Strange Fruit: Take that, Anita Bryant! The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is reclaiming the orange. Miami New Times. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
  65. ^ Rutledge, Leigh W. (2003). The Gay Book of Lists, 3rd Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Alyson Publications, 130-132. ISBN 1-55583-7409. 
  66. ^ Ives, Brian; Bottomley, C. (2004-02-24). Kylie Minogue: Disco's Thin White Dame. VH1.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  67. ^ Wilson-Smith, Anthony. "Tammy Faye's Fab Fan Club", Maclean's, 2000-05-22, pp. 7. 
  68. ^ Rabey, Steve. "Tammy Faye, gay icon", Christianity Today, 2000-10-02, pp. 85-86. 
  69. ^ Watts, Jill (2001). Mae West: An Icon in Black and White. New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 300. ISBN 0-19-510547-8. 
  70. ^ Gross, Michael Joseph. "The Queen is Dead", The Atlantic Monthly, August, 2000, pp. 62-69. 
  71. ^ Madonna: ‘I hope I’m still a gay icon’. Gay.com (2005-10-26). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.

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