Madonna. Monroe. Minogue. Cher. Gaga. Streisand. Garland. These are just a few of the classic icons gay men revere and have admired for decades. They are recognized as beacons in the fight for rights. They are lauded as survivors who triumphed in the face of adversity to become legendary. They are all considered to be powerful women of their time (and some, tragic icons). What’s missing from the list? Men.

Gay men have long pointed to and acknowledged women as cornerstones in the queer movement. Some are bestowed status because they were victims of their own existence in times they didn’t conform to, while others are cheered for their power, determination and sheer fortitude. Read the full story

Recently, very out-of-the-closet and very outspoken actor Sir Ian McKellan slammed professional sports players, organizations, fans and the overall establishment for being homophobic. He made his comments on a BBC radio show a few weeks after Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas came out of the closet.

In the interview, when it comes to homosexuality, McKellan said that sports stars “become little shrinking violets because they’re afraid, probably, of being booed from the terraces, and that must be a horrible experience and shame on people who do it.” While some people might think he’s making queer political hay, he’s actually right on point with his point. Professional sport has a long, rich history of flagrant gay bashing and homophobia and it shows no signs of backing down. To wit: Read the full story

I just watched Julie & Julia over the weekend and I loved it…I LOVED it. But I love everything Meryl Streep does – and I’m not alone. Streep has generated an astonishing billion dollars in box office revenue over the past few years with her films (Mamma Mia!, The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia) and she shows no sign of slowing down.

She breaks the mold and old Hollywood axiom that a woman over the age of 40 is box office poison. At 60, Streep is more successful now than ever. Screw convention. Read the full story