Out Personalities: August 2007 Archives

Who do you consider to be your gay heroes? My list is long but at the top would be Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova who weren't content to be number one in the world in tennis, but also worked for social change and continue to do so today. Love 'em.
I also so deeply appreciate and admire Olympian Greg Louganis whose story is so inspiring and whose book "Breaking the Surface" remains on my bookshelf, the wonderfully funny and intelligent Ellen DeGeneres. the talented and total original Harvey Fiersten, author Paul Monette, whose memoir "Becoming A Man: Half A Life Story" had me going through a box of Kleexex, singer and activist Elton John, one-time NFL player Dave Kopay for being the first former major pro athlete to come out, and the late Randy Shilts for his strength and determination during the height of the AIDS crisis.
There are so many others who are heroes.
The Advocate, where I am a contributing writer, is preparing for its 40th anniversary issue in September and wants its readers to help choose the cover subjects through an online poll. The criteria for a gay hero: The person must be entirely out. Second, it's not enough to be supremely talented or superbly competent--that person must have done something significant to improve LGBT lives. If they've missed someone you'd like to nominate, go ahead and write them in under "OTHER." This is not a scientific poll, but a snapshot that reflects the awareness of The Advocate's readers and editors at this pivotal moment in history.

One-hundred of the most notable gay people from the last four decades—politicians, artists, activists, and more. The editors are asking you to help rank them by voting for the people you feel have made the most significant impact. You can select up to 40 names. Rankings will be determined based on votes plus editors’ input. The top 40 heroes will be featured on the cover of the anniversary issue.
This is the link to the poll:http://www.advocate.com/takeSurvey.asp?surveyID=19 -
Cast your votes!