PHOTOS: 25 fabulous women who’ve earned their “gay icon” status
We’re quick to throw around the word “iconic” these days — talk to any gay person under the age of 25, and you’re sure to hear it in every other sentence. But what does it actually take to be an icon, let alone a gay icon? As these ladies prove, it takes a mix of talent, advocacy, and a genuine love for the queer community.
A true gay icon has to do more than just be a diva (though that certainly doesn’t hurt). All of the women on this list have created legendary pieces of queer media, from camp classic films to fashion-forward looks to enduring hits in the club. But it’s their support for the queer community outside of their work that sets them apart and makes them worthy of icon status.
Now, prepare to bow down and take a look at these 25 gay icons who’ve earned their title…
Lady Gaga
What has Gaga not done for queer folks?
She’s been a loud and proud advocate in both her music and her activism, from her iconic gay anthem “Born This Way” to her rallying against the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
Beyoncé
Queen Bey’s latest album Renaissance rocked the world last summer with its ballroom-inspired house beats, and she made sure to thank the queer community “for your love,
and for inventing the genre” in her Grammys acceptance speech for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
Madonna
Madonna was in the trenches with LGBTQ+ people back in the ‘80s, when she was one of few celebrities raising awareness of the AIDS crisis.
That was only the beginning of her decades-long allyship.
Cher
She’s Cher, bitch. From making countless hits for us to dance to in the club, to supporting her transgender son Chaz Bono’s journey with sexuality and gender,
Cher’s proven her gay icon status is something we can believe in.