Gay icon
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A gay icon or LGBT icon is an historical figure, celebrity or public figure who is embraced by many in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) communities. In particular, they are figures perceived to be strong or brave individuals who have wrestled with psychological demons, issues of sexuality, have suffered publicly or met an early tragic end. The term Dykon, a portmanteau of the words "dyke" and "icon," has recently entered the lexicon as a word to describe lesbian icons.
Qualities of an LGBT icon usually include a larger-than-life image, inherent glamour and eventual flamboyance, strength through adversity, androgyny, or an ambiguous sexuality.
A gay icon is a popular culture entertainer, usually a woman, who has a significant following among the gay community, particularly among gay men. The term dykon (dyke icon) is sometimes used in reference to gay icons that appeal primarily to lesbians.
Although icon entertainers usually embrace their homosexual fans, most of them are heterosexual in sexual orientation. Along with being entertainers, many gay icons have been subject to high-profile personal tragedy, come-from-behind success or an untimely, tragic death.
It should also be noted that status as a gay icon does not necessarily mean that all gay people are fans of a celebrity.
List of gay icons
- Julie Andrews, UK singer and actress
- Tammy Faye Bakker, American singer, talk show host and television evangelist
- Talullah Bankhead, American actress and pundit
- Shirley Bassey, Welsh singer
- Cher, American singer and actress
- Margaret Cho, American comedian
- Patsy Cline, American singer (lesbian icon)
- Joan Crawford, American actress and dancer
- Bette Davis, American actress
- James Dean, American actor
- Marlene Dietrich, German actress and singer
- Celine Dion, Canadian singer
- Mylène Farmer, Canadian/French singer
- Judy Garland, American actress and singer
- Audrey Hepburn, US actress and singer
- Lucy Lawless, New Zealand actress (lesbian icon)
- Madonna, American singer
- Ethel Merman, American actress and singer
- Bette Midler, American actress and singer
- Liza Minnelli, American actress and singer, daughter of Judy Garland
- Kylie Minogue, Australian singer
- Marilyn Monroe, American actress
- Julie Newmar, American model and actress
- Edith Piaf, French singer
- Diana Rigg, UK actress
- Diana Ross, American singer
- Barbra Streisand, American singer, actress and director
- Mae West, American actress and singer
