Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This book looks at dozens of entertainers who have been hailed as gay icons, and wonders what they indicate about gay culture in particular and society in general. Many superstars, divas, bad girls and femmes fatales are examined, along with their enduring appeal among gays. What are gay icons? How are gay icons formed? What are the aesthetic and political functions of gay icons? What exact roles do they play in the gay community? How do they contribute to the diffusion of gay culture? How do they contribute to the complexification of sexual identities and gender identities? From Julie Andrews to Mae West, taking in Cher and Britney Spears, Gay Icons] innovatively looks at gay icons, not simply to spread their worship--although it does sing their praises--but to scrutinize the very mechanisms of gay iconicity.]
Synopsis
Who are gay icons and how are they created? What influence do they have on gay individuals and communities? This book focuses on the superstars, divas and femmes fatales of the gay celebrity pantheon--including May West, Julie Andrews, Britney Spears, RuPaul, Cher, Divine, Sharon Needles and many others--and their contributions to gay culture and the complexification (or decomplexification) of sexual and gender identity. The author explores their allure along with the mechanisms of iconicity.
Synopsis
Who are the most significant gay icons and how did they develop? What influence do they have on gay individuals and communities?
This book focuses on the superstars, femmes fatales and divas of the gay celebrity pantheon--Mae West, Julie Andrews, Britney Spears, RuPaul, Cher, Divine, Sharon Needles and many others--and their contributions to gay culture and the complications of sexual and gender identity. The author explores their allure along with the mechanisms of iconicity.