Blog.PinkNews.co.uk

Ladyboys to compete for shoes

PRs are not known for their subtlety at the best of times, but you would have thought even they would have shied away from publicising a Ladyboy beauty contest with the slogan “Are You Tarzan Or Are You Jane?”

Worthy of The Sun. There is a jungle theme, but still.

For a mere £27, you can attend this carnival of Ladyboy glamour, and savour the swimsuit, evening wear and creative costumes rounds to find out who will be crowned Madame Mango Tree 2007.

It is the fifth year this competition has taken place at Mango Tree restaurant which, we are told,

“Like its parent restaurant back in Bangkok, offers exquisite Thai cuisine in a modern, stylish venue, an offering so authentic even Ladyboys are being embraced by Belgravia.”

Yes, EVEN Ladyboys.

The winner gets a return ticket to Thailand and a pair of shoes by Jimmy Choo. 

The event is on Sunday 9th September at Mango Tree.

Two Dannii Minogue lesbian stories

Yes, two Dannii stories in one day - must be some sort of record.

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Kylie's younger sister is "embroiled" in a new "scandal" - namely that an eight-year-old video of Danni snogging a lesbian in a pop video has appeared on YouTube.

"She made the video for a Gay Pride event, because she believes very strong that people should be able to love whoever they want," an 'unnamed source' told the paper

"She won't be happy to discover people are using it to try to encourage lesbian rumours."

Meanwhile, back in the UK, DigitalSpy reports that more lesbian images of the lady who sang This Is It are causing her trouble.

She did the saucy snaps for the News of the World and now she wants them back.

DigitalSpy quotes Ms Minogue: "I was totally set up.

"It woke me up to the fact that there are some creepy, nasty people out there willing to do anything take advantage of someone famous."

Isn't it though.

Of course, this rash of Danni-related stories has nothing to do with the fact that she has just begun a stint as one of the judges on ITV show X Factor. Nothing whatsoever.

Michael Ball to star in Hairspray

Camp comedy musical Hairspray is coming to London's West End.

All round family entertainer Michael Ball will be taking the drag role of Edna Turnblad, played in the 1988 movie by the iconic Divine and in the 2007 version by John Travolta. 

Morose-looking comedian Mel Smith will be taking the role of Wilbur Turnblad. Smith is probably best-known as the comedy partner of mountain enthusiast Griff Rhys-Jones. Check out the clip below.

Mel is the one on the left, by the way.

Hairspray will begin previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London on 11th October.

That Michael Ball has done it all.

Presented This Morning. Had a number 2 hit. Starred in lots of West End shows. Represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest and, in the finest traditions of our country, came second.

Love it. Check out his official fan club here!

Borat's gay T-shirt

Actor Sacha Baron-Cohen - now a worldwide star thanks to his comedy character Borat -  has amused tabloid hacks by wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words "Sorry girls - I'm gay."

It is funny because, you see, he actually isn't gay!

He even got a lady pregnant - his girlfriend, Isla Fisher, to be exact.

Isla, who some of you may remember from her star turn in soap opera Home And Away, also starred in Hollywood movies The Wedding Crasher and Scooby Doo,

It is thought she bought the t-shirt to ward off female admirers of the hirsute comic.

I don't see it myself, but I guess some people are into that bear look.

Their baby is due pretty soon judging by Isla's bump!

She and Baron-Cohen are engaged and she seems to be very happy with life.

It was not all fun for Isla though - at one point she had to tour the UK in the musical Summer Holiday - with Darren Day!!

See the gay t-shirt here!

Kanye laughs off gay rumours

Chart-topping rapper Kanye West has complained that people now think he is gay after he made comments calling for an end to rap homophobia.

Kanye has no regrets about speaking out against  gay hate in hip-hop music.

That's all well and good but Kanye, who made his comments in 2005,  admits he still wouldn't feel comfortable socialising in a gay club, an attitude he attributes to his upbringing in Chicago, Illinois.

According to femalefirst.co.uk, the 30-year-old said, "Speaking out against hip-hop homophobia, some people were like 'Oh, Kanye must be gay! Look at the way he's dressing! And why would he speak about it? He's a gay rapper.'

"And my whole point is, I wouldn't have spoke on that if I was gay or if I was in the closet. I would have stayed so far away from it.

"And I'm still homophobic myself to a certain extent. You know, I wouldn't go to a gay parade and feel comfortable. I wouldn't ever go to a gay club or something and just be chillin' and grab a drink.

It all sounds just a tad hypocritical. Kanye goes on to say:

"Where I came from, Chicago, being black and being a hip-hop artist, we used to really disrespect gay people. And the thing is, we can't get close to them with a 10-foot pole. And I realised, 'Wow, how ignorant has this been".

"It's being in the entertainment world, I meet so many different gay people who are actually nice people."

Thanks mate.

photo: S Affandi@flickr.com

 

People who require a slap

Today that ridiculous woman Janet Street Porter, clearly desperate to fill her column in The Independent, told her readers that Vladimir Putin, pictured topless while on holiday:

"wouldn’t look out of place in Attitude magazine, further proof that he realises his current iconic status in the gay community."

What? Are you on drugs or something? Putin, who happily presides over one of the most homophobic government in eastern Europe? Putin, who regularly insists that gay people are bad for Mother Russia?

According to Janet, we all spend hours lusting over him. What a silly moo she is - perhaps she was trying to be funny - it's hard to tell with her journalism.

I actually think she is serious though - it must be agony to have an empty page in front of you and have to fill it up somehow - here are some other profound thoughts about Putin from Janet's column:

"Can you name any other head of state who would have the sheer chutzpah to be photographed topless? The fact that he’s holding his fishing rod incorrectly proves that the Russian leader fully intended this shot to be a contender for pin-up of the year.

"The guy clearly waxes his chest, and only a chap very confident of his masculinity would reveal such a foible. "

Had enough yet? There is more, and brace yourself, it gets worse.

"Putin is a Judo black belt, but his body is verging on the fleshy. Is he auditioning for an action movie, or what? Matt Damon better watch out …"

Watch out for what Janet? The Putin Ultimatum? Whatever she is on, I want some.

We would show you the picture in question, but obviously as  a work-safe site we couldn't have topless Russian leaders appear on our pages - where would it all end?

Nude Stalins? Erotic Andropovs?  If you are brave,  you can see the picture here.

Be warned, he has moobs.

BBC buys hot jock drama

BBC Three has acquired the UK rights to Greek, the ABC Family original series which focuses on US college life and the social minefield that is the Greek system of fraternities and sororities.

It's got hot gay jocks in it too. First episode sees hockey player Calvin (above) sneaking out of a frat house having just had sex with cutie pledge Heath (below).

Scroll down to watch some clips chronicling their romantic progress - awww!


It seems their lust develops into something more as the season unfolds.

Yes, gay inter-racial relationships from ABC's family division.

The Beeb press release explains:

20 one-hour episodes, licensed to the BBC by Disney-ABC International Television, tell the story of Rusty (Jacob Zachar) who is determined to make his college experience more exciting than his high school years, which he spent with his head buried in the books.

His answer: no more geek, he's going Greek. But he faces one small obstacle… his sister... Casey (Spencer Grammer), already ensconced as a college siren and not too keen on having her younger brother invade her world, is a high achiever and already at the top of her game.

The last thing she needs is her nerdy younger brother coming in and messing it all up.

Danny Cohen, Controller, BBC Three, said: "I'm delighted to have Greek as part of our BBC Three drama offering.

"It brings a very different kind of flavour to the channel, and is a further enrichment of the drama plans we're developing for the channel, including the pilots announced last month."

Jim Brehm, Senior Vice President, Sales, Disney-ABC International Television EMEA, added: "Greek has created a buzz in the international TV market right from launch, and we're looking forward to working with BBC Three to launch the series to the UK."

Rosie O'Donnell gives verbal

TV star Rosie O-Donnell was subjected to a furious homophobic verbal assault by a biker who accused her of driving at him.

The talk show host describes the incident, which took place during a vacation O'Donnell is taking with her partner in Miami, Florida, on her blog www.rosie.com.

She claims she was driving out of a parking lot after dinner on Saturday  when, "Along came a bald screaming infuriated man, it's always a man I tell ya...

"As I buckled my belt he ran towards (our) car angry, 'My motorcycle blah blah'.

"(I said) 'chill dude - we didn't touch it.'

"This apparently did not calm him down, however, and soon there was name-calling. He got madder, pupils big - snorting like a dragon: 'Fucking lesbians'. He screamed the trump card.

"And we are supposed to cower, to fall to our knees ashamed.

"Not good enough. Unworthy. Not tonight Mr bald muscle man with a pimped out hog, not tonight. I stood up in the front seat hands above my head smiled and yelled 'CORRECT SIR - FUCKING LESBIAN!!!'

"He stormed back to his table right there in the Lincoln Mall."

GO ROSIE!

When PRs don't pay attention

It did actually make me laugh out loud.

Check out the first line of this press release, sent to PinkNews.co.uk, the UK's leading GAY news website:

"Whether you want to pull the birds, impress your mates or nail that interview, the Morphy Richards Male Grooming Guide will tell you how to go from messy caveman to hot metrosexual."

Get this - it includes tips on WASHING yourself and how to WASH and IRON your clothes.



It's hilarious - and make us laugh so much we will even tell you where to get your own copy - just call 0870 060 2614.

Though we have to say it pales into insignificance next to this gem sent to PinkNews.co.uk earlier this year:

"On behalf of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office, we would like you to invite you to join us for a rum punch and some Antiguan nibbles with music by Dread & the Baldhead (featuring Antiguan cricketing legends Richie Richardson on guitar and Curtly Ambrose on bass) on Friday 22 June at the private members only club - Hedges & Butler - just off Regent Street, London

"This informal evening begins at 6.30pm and will be a great opportunity for all to catch up over a rum punch or two and enjoy the music."

Yea, that all sounds lovely - just one problem - homosexuality is illegal in Antigua & Barbuda.

Silly PR people.

From the 2007 ILGA report into homophobic laws of the world:

Bi Angelina is now all Brad

There are reports that Angelina Jolie’s lesbian inclinations have waned since being with Brad Pitt.

She has reportedly told French magazine Public: "I have never hidden my bisexuality.

"But since I've been with Brad, I abandoned women. Now there is no room for that or S&M in my life."

In reference to her husband, she said Brad “lets me talk to whomever I want, he has complete blind faith in me."

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie met on the set of <I>Mr & Mrs Smith</I> and married in 2005. They have since adopted four children.

Jenny Shimizu, a former lesbian lover, has doubted the claims in an interview with the News of the World. She stated that Jolie "loves danger and dabbling in the dark side.

"Angelina is an unbelievable lesbian lover. That's where she gets her kicks - not playing happy families with one man."

Brad said last year that he will not be marrying Ms Jolie until all Americans, including the gay and lesbian ones, have the same rights. Love you! 

Why can't he be the bi one? Oh well.  

Royal official is in charge of the closet

There we were, idly looking for a picture of the Bishop of Manchester, as you do, when we came across this little gem on Wikipedia.

There is, according to lovely WP, a bishop of the Church of England who luxuriates in the title of Clerk of the Closet.

What does he do? Well, you might think he keeps a neat list of all the gays who are priests and bishops and makes sure nobody finds out the truth.

Given that out gay Bishop Gene Robinson commented last week that if all the gays left the C of E en masse it would have to shut up shop entirely, that must be one hell of a long list.

It turns out, in fact, that the Clerk of the Closet dates from 1437. Well, the office does, not the present incumbent.

"He is responsible for advising the Private Secretary to the Sovereign on the names for candidates to fill vacancies in the Roll of Chaplains to the Sovereign," WP says, and they are always correct on such matters.

"He presents Bishops for Homage to the Sovereign; examines any theological books to be presented to the Sovereign; and preaches annually in the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace. He receives a salary of £7 a year."

Isn't that less than the national minimum wage?

Come on your Majesty, you can afford a bit more than that!

Bishops cost money - what with the lovely dresses, the jewellery and what not.

The present Clerk of the Closet, the Bishop of Guildford, isn't even entitled to seat in the House of Lords. Boo. Who would be a bishop these days?


The Right Reverend Christopher Hill, Lord Bishop of Guildford, Clerk of the Closet.

Prison days of gay bank robber revealed

Ex-con Norman Parker's memories of gay criminal David Martin’s prison days can be found in his new book: Dangerous People, Dangerous  Places.

Martin was a notorious criminal in the early 1980s with a penchant for fleeing the long arm of the law. He is best known for his connection with the police shooting of film editor  Stephen Waldorf  in 1983.

Waldorf was mistakenly identified as David Martin and shot five times while driving in Earls Court, London.

The incident gained similar coverage to that of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was killed by armed police in 2005.

Stephen Waldorf fortunately survived and was awarded compensation.

The influence of prison life on Martin and homosexuality within England’s prisons are both described.

Parker tells of Martin’s experience of  "a world that constantly belittled him because of his sexuality."

In 1983,  Martin was convicted of involvement in armed robbery and sent down for 25 years. He committed suicide early into his sentence.

Norman Parker spent nearly three decades in prison for murder and manslaughter.

He earned an honours degree whilst inside, and since release has pursued a career in journalism.

He wrote the best-selling book Parkhurst Tales and in his new book he travels the world in search of the world’s most dangerous people.

David Martin’s story is told in chapter 13, Dave the Rave, of Parker’s new book Dangerous People, Dangerous Places.

Golden Girls erotica - we are not making this up

The MuuMuu’s. The housecoats. The AquaNet. The cheesecake. Several things come to mind when you think of the Golden Girls, but Bea Arthur’s stacked rack isn’t one of them.

That’s about to change thanks to Lenora Claire, who just a couple of short years after placing the winning bid for a nude painting of Bea Arthur on eBay, is hanging her piece next to dozens of others in an ode to Dorothy (Arthur), Rose (Betty White), Blanche (Rue McClanahan) and Sophia (Estelle Getty)—Golden Gals Gone Wild, the art show.

The eBay purchase, Claire says, came about completely by accident—in a mad search for the Golden Girls DVD sets, she came across a listing: NUDE PORTRAIT – BEA ARTHUR, GOLDEN GIRLS.

“I thought, ‘What? I’ve got to click on this,’” she laughs. “I got in a bidding war with this person and $110 later it was mine.”

As it happens, the piece was done by Los Angeles local Chris Zimmerman, who’s work is tied in with the Tom of Finland crew.

The two hit it off, Claire wound up with more of Zimmerman’s work, but the Bea Arthur piece—the crown jewel, if you will—got primo placement over her bed.

Some friends gawked, some laughed, some were even repulsed.

At one point, Belinda Carlisle made an offer on the piece.

But since art is supposed to make you feel something, the strong reactions got Claire to thinking: Why not an art show?

And thus Golden Gals Gone Wild (name changed so she doesn't get sued by Disney/Touchstone) was born.

A long time Golden Girls fan (from Sophia’s supermarket rebellion to the infamous condom episode), Claire says the idea for doing the art show was further inspired by interviews she did with Julie Newmar and Cassandra Petersen (Elvira)—two smoking hot older women, she says.

“As a woman living in Los Angeles, you’re very aware of this ageism,” she says.

“I saw these two hot older chicks and I thought, ageism and sexuality. We don’t really address that culturally. So with the Golden Girls, it’s funny, it’s camp, everybody loves them, but there’s depth to it.”

Which is why the show has attracted so much attention. What started with one painting from one artist has turned into a showcase for more than 30 artists, including Ed Mironiuk, the artist behind Saturday Night Live’s TV Funhouse, and Party Monster Michael Alig, doing his piece from behind bars and sending it to James St. James of World of Wonder, which is putting on the show in their gallery.

Expect puppets, mosaics, nudes, underwear, an oil painting of the girls as hoes with Different Strokes’ Mr. Drummond as their pimp—all there for your enjoyment as you nibble on a piece of cheesecake, Jackie Beat performing original tunes about the Golden Girls as a DJ spins in Depends.

While it might all sound a bit camp (and it is, Claire’s quick to assure), it comes from a place of deep love for each of these women, and a desire for people to look at the art, remember fondly a bit of classic TV and, hopefully, take a bit of that nostalgia home.

“I want them to seriously come in and seriously buy it,” she says. “It’s all for sale. It’s a FART movement… putting the fun, the fuck, whatever you want the F to be, into art. It’s fine art. I’ve sold art, I’ve worked in galleries, I’m very serious about it.”

But even with visions of the ka-ching of cash registers dancing around in this curator’s head, she’s not above doing a bit of guess work when it comes to speculating on the rack most likely to bring the crowds in.

“I’ve seen photos of Betty White, because she was a pin up girl in the 40’s, and at least in her young days she had a pretty rocking body,” Claire says.

“It’s hard because Bea always covers up with those weird (drape) looking things, so she could have huge old knockers under there, I don’t know. Estelle Getty doesn’t really have anything. I would say probably Rue or Betty has the best rack.”

Find out if she’s right this Saturday from 8pm to midnight at the World of Wonder art space in Hollywood. For more information click here.

Betty White as Rose, by Ed Mironiuk

Ross von Metzke © 2007 Gay Wired; All Rights Reserved

The Times - home of casual homophobia

Oh dear. Back in the day it used to be renowned the world over for its high standard of journalism.

These days it is getting harder and harder to tell The Times apart from its tabloid stablemate The Sun.

Take this gem from today's edition.

"Scientists keep moths in check by persuading males to be gay."

Persuading - yes that's right kids - scientists can 'persuade' moths to change their sexual identity.

Oh no, hold on, that's not quite right.

"Experts have come up with the novel solution of tricking the males of the species into thinking that they are gay."

OK, so now moths, who have "tiny brains," are being "tricked" into "thinking" they are gay.

Come again? So scientists are playing psychological games with moths and changing their sexuality?

No, not really, its just more borderline homophobic, sloppy and inaccurate reporting.

What is actually happening is that:

"Scientists are using a powder that spreads female pheromones - the smell of sexual attraction - and confuses the male moths, thus slowing the breeding.

"The powder is left near breeding grounds and, when larvae hatch, they are coated in it. Other male moths are then tempted naturally to make contact with them, believing them to be female."

The moths are not being tricked into thinking they are "gay" but merely given the impression that some other male moths are females.

So gay men are attracted to other men because we think they are women and we are "confused."

That is The Times definition of 'gay' - when using the word 'gay' in The Times, that is one of the acceptable definitions.

There are so many things wrong with all of this. Clearly, as 'science' reporting it is laughable. It shows an ignorance of the nature of sexuality and of the intelligence of insects.

It insults gay people by implying that labels like 'gay' can just be applied to anything, even moths, and incorrectly too.

Oh well. Our expectations are lowered already.

Speedo-wearing man claims to be role model

The unedifying spectacle of gay men acting like something from a 1950s Doris Day movie continued over the weekend with the "Mr Gay Europe" beauty contest.

Yes, in 2007 some gay men do still think the highest level of achievement they can attain is to look slightly better in a pair of pants than another gay man.

Well done to everyone who took part - Boy George was, naturally, on hand to award the trophy. 

Some German guy won it, then said how he felt so honoured to be a 'role model' - presumably he meant 'underwear model' but there you go.

Have a giggle at the press release:

Jackson Netto from Germany is Mr. Gay Europe 2007!

Budapest August 2, 2007: It was  Jackson Netto  (25) from  Germany  who Saturday evening took home the crown of Mr. Gay Europe in the building of the Hungarian State Circus in Budapest, hosted by the fabulous  Desiré Dubounet. 21 Delegates from The Canary Islands in the south to Lapland in the north were all in the battle for the crown.

From the 21 Delegates, they were narrowed down to 12 semi finalists: Mr Gay Swim Wear: Jackson Netto (Germany) and the online voted The People’s Choice: Stefan Onland  from The Netherlands and the judges then selected  Jon Rice (Ireland), Emanuel (Romania) Jens Taghon (Belgium), Marius Svela (Norway), who  Thursday also won the No. 1 Talent,  Diego Gerolimi (Italy), Eugeniu (Moldova), Mikey Robinson, (Northern Ireland) and Mark Carter (United Kingdom) and Leonardo Luiz Murilo (Gran Canaria)

United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany went on to a super final, where Germany took home the crown!

The judges were:  Nathan Shaked,  The International Mr. Gay, representing Israel,  The supermodel Viktoria Vamos who has been the face of some of the largest fashion houses in Europe, Csaba Kajdi, the owner of one of Europe’s largest and most successful modelling agencies with offices in Budapest and Paris, both representing Hungary, Brian Merriman, Artistic Director of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival,  and Executive Producer of Mr Gay Ireland and Mr Gay Northern Ireland, the performer Brad Vee Johnson, former singer with the international group Boney M, representing Romania, and finally Martha Wash of The Weather Girls, representing the United States of America. The presenters were Adam Webb and Patricia Piringer and among the performers were Russian circus performer and the incomparable Martha Wash singing of course “It’s Raining Men for the grande finale complete with fireworks, water fountains and the happy finalists dancing!

The Delegates themselves chose Lev Dermota from Slovenia as Mr Congeniality or as the most sympathetic among the candidates themselves in a rose ceremony. And Deam Ladányi of Hungary was given a special Desiré Dubounet honour for being a good host for his fellow Delegates.

Jackson, is 25 years old and from the city of Stuttgart and is currently studying in Liverpool. “When I was a child I used to be overweight. At the age of 15 I lost 25 kilos of weight, took care of my nutrition and did sports to keep in shape. To be able to enter the Mr Gay Europe competition was be a huge step for me, a great reward for the effort and discipline that I’ve had all these years. To be honest it is a dream come true.
I’ve lived 12 years in India and 12 years in Germany. Currently I’m doing my studies in the United Kingdom. I’ve been able to learn and experience a lot in all these different cultures. And I know how important it is for people to have role models to hold on to, to feel comfortable with their sexuality and to be proud of themselves for what they are. It is a great honour for me to represent the gay community”, says Jackson Netto, the new Mr. Gay Europe.

Want to read more?

Becks lined up for gay Housewives role

Ex-Take That star Robbie Williams and David Beckham are reportedly set to star in Desperate Housewives as a gay couple.   

According to Contactmusic.com, the duo are show creator Marc Cherry's top choices to play the best friends of another gay couple - the latest characters to move into Wisteria Lane.   

Contactmusic.com quotes Cherry saying, "David and Robbie are perfect to star as the new neighbours' best friends; the gorgeous, eccentric couple flown over from Blighty.

"We haven't had that kind of wow for the wives since Jesse Metcalfe left and we want it to cause such a stir when they turn out to be together."

Williams and Beckham both currently reside in Los Angeles.

"David's keen, but though the obvious choice was to work with Tom Cruise, we wanted someone who matches him in height and well, Britishness, so Robbie is the one," Cherry added, reports Showbiz Spy.

"They're both funny, game for a laugh and ridiculously macho, so it should work wonderfully... the English are pitch-perfect for sending themselves up."

Antony Cuesta© 2007. GayWired.com; All Rights Reserved.

Cheerleaders brawl!

It was like a scene from the classic cheerleading film Bring it On at Texas State University this weekend as two rival high school cheerleading squads came to blows with each other at a competition.

Thirty-three girls have been implicated in the altercation that took place after Midland won the end of camp competition.

The cheerleaders were part of the San Marcos cheer camp, which is organised by Universal Cheerleaders Association, and has taken place for the past 20 years on the university campus.

Every summer, teams from the area come to the camp to learn new routines, cheers and stunts and create an ultimate bonding experience.

At the conclusion of the camp there is an event competition, which showcases the abilities of the best schools and gears them up for National competitions.

Midland high school walked away with the victory and returned to their hotel to prepare for their journey home.

That's apparently when the fight broke out. A University spokesman said:

"The Skyline girls staying on the fifth floor began knocking on the doors of the Midland cheerleaders on the fourth floor."

There was a lot of screaming and pushing, and police were called to the scene.

Cheerleaders Association spokesman Dean Oblonsky told Newswest 9 that the organising body did not plan to take any action and that charges had been dropped by both sides.   

The individual schools are still deciding what, if any, punishments will be handed down to the individuals involved leaving nothing more to say than "o it's already been broughten."

   

Dylan Vox - 2007 GaySports.com. All Rights Reserved.

Two Brits make American gay list

Iconic American gay mag The Advocate has unveiled a list of 100 gay and lesbian heroes (and heroines) of the last 40 years, which is how long they been on the go!

Among a list that includes the first out police officer in LA and a man who had the sodomy laws struck down stand two British legends, both knights of the realm.

Sir Elton John and Sir Ian McKellen are on the 100 list, which The Advocate want people to vote on so they can whittle it down to 40 - one for each year, you see.

Other people you might want to vote for are Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen Degeneres, Gianni Versace, Andy Warhol, Armistead Maupin, Greg Louganis and the lovely Martina Navratilova.

Vote here for your heroes! (And heroines!)

The Advocate explained what they are looking for:

"What do we mean when we say "greatest gay hero" of the past 40 years? First, 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 our LGBT lives.

If we'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 our readers and editors at this pivotal moment in history."

Gay couple to move into Wisteria Lane

Wisteria Lane, home to Desperate Housewives' (mostly hetero) sexual indiscretions is to get its first adult gay couple.

The male couple, reportedly based on openly gay creator Marc Cherry's life in suburbia, are set to move straight into a vendetta with Susan, played by Teri Hatcher.

A gay couple seems like the next logical step in the gaying of Wisteria Lane, which started with the naked, underwater kiss between Andrew (Shawn Pyfrom) and gardener Justin (Ryan Carnes)

season 1, episode 15 for anyone with a broadband connection.

Then there was the Andrew seducing his mother's  boyfriend - then ending up homeless and turning tricks...

Housewives has always been pretty revolutionary for a TV series about suburbia, and, thanks to the racy plot lines – the couple exploring S&M; housewife seducing teenage gardener Justin; PTA mom working as a high-class call girl – has lost many a wholesome American advertiser.

KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are no great loss if you ask us.

And about 22 million Americans and 4 million Brits agree. Weekly.

And Housewives could carry on where <i>Ellen</i> and <i>Will & Grace</i> left off, in creating relatively rounded gay characters.

But first things first, Cherry says he hasn't written the script or chosen the actors yet.

Fantasy casting, anyone?