Gay Icons for the New Millennium

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About Gay Icons for the New Millennium

This is a new group designed to highlight the gay icons for the new Century.
It is time to re-think Marilyn, Bette, Loretta, Joan, etc as the typical gay icon. I am beginning the group by nominating Sally Field as the first “Gay Icon for the New Millennium”. To me, she is the epitome of the strong woman that does not take herself too seriously – the kind of gal that gay men and women adore. Not a whole lot of guidelines for this group, although I suggest that you post a group of photos or artwork that can give a snapshot history as to why you think they deserve this status. I encourage people to comment, rate, and nominate away. People might want to give as much information about their nominee as possible. I suspect there are lots of deserving people out there that are not as well known as Sally.

Another way to help define “gay icon” - think about people who have stood up to an oppressor, and therefore a metaphor for the oppression of gay people around the world. Think of Norma Rae with her UNION sign in the middle of the factory, think of Magneto (Ian McKellen) telling the world that being a mutant is nothing to be ashamed of while he fights for his right to be “different”. Think of Thelma and Louise flying off the cliff, think of a character that has shown strength through adversity. I think these are the people that appeal to gays.

In the past, the “old school” gay icons (Cher etc.) were very much “glam” on the outside. The New Gay Icons are not glam at all, and I think that is why they are seemingly unlikely to be seen as gay icons. My thought was to essentially “raise the bar” for gay icons. This is also an opportunity to introduce a variety of people who inspire us, but may not get wide attention. All comments are welcome and all photos will be respected.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/gayicons/