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Gay icon

A gay icon is a public figure who is regarded as a cultural icon by members of the LGBT community.[4] Such figures usually have a devoted LGBT fanbase and act as allies to the LGBT community, often through their work,[4] or they have been "openly appreciative of their gay fanbase".[5] Many gay icons also have a camp aesthetic style, which is part of their appeal to LGBT individuals.[6]

The most widely recognized gay icons tend to be celebrities—actresses and singers—who have garnered large LGBT fanbases, such as Judy Garland, Madonna, Janet Jackson, or Cher. However, the label can also be applied to individuals in politics, sports, literature, and other mediums, as well as historical figures deemed relatable to LGBT causes. Prominent entertainers considered to be gay icons often incorporate themes of acceptance, self-love, and sexuality in their work. Gay icons of all orientations within the LGBTQ+ community have acknowledged the role that their gay fans have played in their success.

Lesbian icon: A lesbian icon, also referred to as a dykon (a portmanteau of "" and "icon"),[7] is a figure that is regarded as an icon particularly by lesbians.[5] The label has been applied to men such as James Dean and Marlon Brando for their influence on the butch aesthetic for lesbians,[7] and has also been applied to various actresses who have played queer characters on film and television, such as Natasha Lyonne and Cate Blanchett.[5]

dyke

Queer icon: Historian Mark Nugent defines a queer icon as "a non-heterosexual representation that performs significant ideological work in either naturalizing or challenging popular constructs of the 'queer'."

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It has been argued that the gay icon label exists primarily for public figures held as cultural icons specifically by gay men.[5] Other labels and variations include:

Satire[edit]

Multiple characters and celebrities have been hailed as gay icons through tongue-in-cheek internet memes. Some of these characters have been horror antagonists such as Ma, Annabelle, The Babadook, M3GAN and Pennywise the clown.[9][10][11]

List of gay icons

Lists of LGBT people

New Queer Cinema

Queer art

Straight ally

GLBT Historical Society

Christina up close

Sophie Morris. From the tragic to the bland // New Statesman, August 1, 2005

John Howard. The Independent, (UK), 4 August 2005

"Pink doesn't mean fluffy"

French Gay Icons: Ysa Ferrer