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List of gay, lesbian or bisexual people

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This is a partial list of confirmed and debated famous people who were or are gay, lesbian or bisexual. The historical concept and definition of sexual orientation varies and has changed greatly over time— the word "gay" wasn't used to describe sexual orientation until the mid 20th century. See homosexuality and bisexuality for more about the primary (and by far the most controversial) distinguishing criterion of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people.

Some historical figures on this list wouldn't be considered lesbian, gay or bisexual by today's standards, but they are included here because they were known to have had same-sex relationships. But even by today's standards, a relationship or two doesn't necessarily mean one is bisexual. Many people who identify as gay or lesbian have had different-gender relationships in their youth, and many who identify as heterosexual have experimented with same-sex relationships. Due to social norms that have remained consistent throughout history, little information about such matters when discussing historical figures is available; therefore, only educated guesses can be made, based on limited evidence.

Sources that support the inclusion of names in this list are either the biographical articles about these persons in this encyclopedia (marked with a "+" sign), or external sources as provided.

If you wish to add someone to this list please ensure that he or she has a Wikipedia article and that article contains reasonable documentation for inclusion on this list, or alternatively provide external and reputable sources to substantiate their inclusion.

Controversy

The sexual orientation of famous individuals is often the subject of rumor and reports in the tabloid press. For example, the actor Tom Cruise has been such a case and has pursued libel suits on three occasions. In 1998, he successfully sued a British tabloid that alleged that his marriage to Nicole Kidman was a sham designed to cover up his homosexuality. In another suit, he obtained a default judgment against a gay porn actor (Chad Slater, aka "Kyle Bradford") who had given an interview to a tabloid newspaper in which he claimed he had a sexual relationship with Tom Cruise, and he sued Michael Davis, a magazine publisher, who alleged that he had photographs that would prove Tom Cruise was homosexual: this suit was dropped in exchange for a public statement by Davis that Tom Cruise was heterosexual.

Radical gay rights campaigning groups have on occasion campaigned by outing - publicising the homosexuality of well-known people in specific circumstances. In 1994 the British group OutRage! revealed the names of 10 Church of England Bishops whom it invited to "tell the truth". Such a policy is invariably controversial among gay rights campaigners and more generally because of the risk of inaccuracy and potential harm to family relationships. While supporters of outing as a tactic regard its targets as having, by their behaviour, forfeited the right to privacy about their sexual orientation, its opponents contend that this right is fundamental.

Persons of confirmed lesbian, gay or bisexual orientation

The following list includes people who have self-identified as homosexual or bisexual, or whose homosexuality or bisexuality reflects uniform consensus.

Persons of debated lesbian, gay or bisexual orientation

The following list includes those who some people legitimately believe there is meaningful evidence the person is or was gay, lesbian or bisexual. This speculation should be supported by documentation or historical record. More information about what is known about each individual's sexuality should be available in the individual's biography.

Persons no longer identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual

The following list includes people who at one point identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual but no longer do.

See also

Sources

  • Aldrich, Robert and Wotherspoon, Gary (Eds.) (2001). Who's Who in Contemporary Gay & Lesbian History: From World War II to the Present Day. New York: Routledge. ISBN 041522974X.
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