Sir Ian McKellen Tops the "Pink List"
Sir Ian McKellen topped the Pink List, a ranking of the U.K.s most influential gay men and women who lead their respective fields, including the arts, media, politics and business. Critics lauded not only McKellens work in The Lord of the Rings, but also for his work campaigning for gay rights. He knocked last years number one from the top spotElton John.
Despite the strides McKellen and other gay advocates made in recent years, McKellen claimed he worries for children who, struggling with their sexuality, face abuse at the hands of uncaring bullies. He said the word gay picked up a disturbing stigma, and he would like to see it change.
He says, "One of my main concerns is for school children who think they are gay and get bullied in the playground. Gay now has a new definition. Young people use it to mean 'rubbish' - how awful is it for a young adolescent boy or girl to think that they are rubbish? Schools and school teachers need to be trained how to help these children. I was one of the speakers in Trafalgar Square at the weekend and I suggested we abandon that word and use another word beginning with G. Gorgeous. I said, 'Look at me. I am gorgeous!'"
Others on the The Gay and Gorgeous Pink List:
1. Sir Ian McKellen - Actor
2. Sir Elton John - Musician
3. Gary Frisch and Henry Badenhorst - Founders and owners of gaydar.co.uk
4. Sir Cameron Mackintosh - Impresario
5. Peter Mandelson - EU Trade Commissioner
6. Sir Michael Bishop - Chairman, BMI
7. John Galliano - Fashion Designer & Couturier
8. Alan Bennett - Playwright & Author
9. Matt Lucas - Comedian
10. Alexander McQueen - Fashion Designer
Why isnt Tom Cruise listed? Oh yeah, hes American.
