Introduction to LGBT+ Icons
Regardless of whether you run behind the scenes, protest or pioneer, the story is full of LGBT+ figures that have contributed to changing culture and challenging social norms. As we celebrate Pride Month in June, let’s take a look back at some of the most inspiring LGBT+ icons in history.
Pioneers in the LGBT+ Community
Alan Turing (1912-1954)
Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician, played a central role in the defeat of Nazi Germany during the Second World War by cracking the Enigma code. Despite his contributions, Turing was a victim of Britain’s tough anti-gay laws. He was arrested and convicted of being gay in 1952 and died of alleged suicide two years later at the age of 41. In 2013, he received a posthumous royal pardon, and in 2017, the British government expanded this to thousands of men who were condemned under similar laws, now known as the "Alan Turing Law."
Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992)
Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneering African American activist and drag performer who played a key role in the fight for LGBT+ and trans rights in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a key figure in the Stonewall riots, a turning point in the LGBT+ rights movement. Johnson drove change with activist groups and became a powerful symbol of resistance and visibility for trans and queer people, especially those of color.
Music Icons
Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)
Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, is considered one of the greatest singers in rock music history. Despite his extravagant stage personality, Mercury never publicly clarified his sexuality. He began a long-term relationship with Irish hairdresser Jim Hutton in 1985, whom he referred to as his husband. Mercury described their relationship as one based on comfort and understanding.
David Bowie (1947-2016)
David Bowie introduced himself as a gay icon with his brave alter ego Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous, bisexual extraterrestrial rock star, in 1972. Bowie used his platform to challenge gender-specific norms and explore queer identities. His statement "I am gay and I have always been" coincided with Britain’s first gay pride march. Although he later described himself as "heterosexual closet," Bowie’s early openness and ambiguity left a lasting cultural impact.
Elton John (1947)
Elton John, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, has long been a pioneer for LGBT+ visibility. He first came out as bisexual in a 1976 Rolling Stone interview and later confirmed he was gay in 1992. John has been with his partner David Furnish since 1993, and they were among the first couples to enter a civil partnership in Britain in 2005.
Modern-Day Allies and Icons
Madonna (1958)
Madonna has long been a vocal ally for the LGBT+ community, known for her sexual openness and refusal to conform. She has been linked to several women and has stated that "everyone has a bisexual nature." Throughout her career, Madonna has devoted herself to serving the LGBT+ community, including making surprise appearances at the New York Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement.
RuPaul (1960-present)
RuPaul Charles, known as the host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, deserves the title "Queen of Drag" and is largely considered a pioneer in queer representation. Since the launch of Drag Race UK in 2019, RuPaul’s profile has risen in Britain, contributing to a new wave of celebrity drag queens. Apart from entertainment, RuPaul has long been an outspoken advocate for voter registration, especially within the LGBT+ community, and has used his platform to emphasize aspiring talents and tackle important topics such as gender equality and racial justice.
