Gordon Ramsay 50th most popular gay icon

By Tony Grew • January 5, 2007 - 13:44

There are no lesbians on the list. That means only 18% of “gay icons“ are in fact gay. photo: Channel 4

2 Comments on Gordon Ramsay 50th most popular gay icon

Foul-mouthed footballer-turned-chef Gordon Ramsay has come bottom of a poll of 5,000 gay men and lesbians asked to name a gay icon.

The swaggeringly heterosexual Ramsay, a former Scotland international, has a minority appeal to some gay men.

Australian singer Kylie Minogue came first in the survey, conducted by market research company OnePoll.com

Other unlikely candidates for iconic status included matronly TV presenter Fern Britton (30) and shovel-faced Welsh rugby player Gavin Henson (49).

The bulk of the list is taken up with singers, with usual suspects Barbara Streisand, Cher, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor and The Village People making the top 50.

The first homosexual on the list, Will Young, comes in at 19th place.

He is followed by Elton John at number 20. They only narrowly beat a plastic doll. (Barbie at number 21).

Overall there are only nine gay men on the list, either as individuals or as members of a band. (Young, John, Wham!, Rupert Everett, Westlife, Boy George, The Village People, Steps, Scissor Sisters).

There are no lesbians on the list. That means only 18% of "gay icons" are in fact gay.

TOP 50 GREATEST GAY ICONS

1. Kylie Minogue

2. Dolly Parton

3. ABBA

4. Judy Garland

5. Marilyn Monroe

6. David Beckham

7. Madonna

8. Audrey Hepburn

9. Jordan and Peter Andre

10. Liza Minnelli