She came out way back in 1981. In these relatively enlightened times it's hard to imagine quite what hostility she faced but she bore it with dignity and courage and paved the way for other female athletes. 

"I would nominate Marc Almond as one of my heroes. A very vocal exponent of gay rights in a time when this often meant getting attacked for being gay, and I have never forgotten his observation that most of the men that attacked him were probably worried about their own sexuality and were trying to hide behind a masculine exterior".

"For including at least 3 key changes in every song that she performs AND (as she said at her 2009 Blackpool gig) by being able to hide her Adam's apple with careful and clever use of a feather boa."

For a challenging, unique vision and stirring it up by the use of homoeroticism in his work. A sad loss at only age 42.

In the words of one of our members, 

"A great musician with the vision to start the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra who's aim is to promote understanding between Israelis and Palestinians."

(@HarveyFierstein) For his fearless artistic response to the Aids crisis with Torch Song Trilogy and for having perhaps the best voice in show-business.

For fighting the fight but not forgetting the fun.

Today we remember Justin Fashanu, both the first black footballer to command a £1m transfer fee and the first English professional footballer to come out as gay, an incredibly brave move that no other English player (correct me if I'm wrong) has made. Probably in no small part because of the reaction Justin had. We salute your heroism.

For his heroic visibility. A quote from one of our members, 

"Growing up in Glasgow, there was huge prejudice against homosexuality (being gay was the worst thing you could be called in the s

As one of our members writes, 

"Back when she was the only artist who had gay imagery in her work, she helped me to understand and appreciate that I was not alone and that there was nothing wrong with me as a little gay boy in Africa".

As picked by one member,  we salute Peter Tatchell. "The bravest, most uncompromising, most darnedest gay in the UK. Thank goodness there is someone like him".

For his heroic efforts in the arena of gay rights and still managing to be Gandalf and Magneto. We're still not sure about Vicious though.

A must for our list is the astonishing trailblazer, Harvey Milk.

For her personal sacrifice caused in the process of making discoveries for the greater good.

For his bravery in being himself and changing the notion of what a drag queen could be. The new documentary about him is a must-see. The story behind 'that' moment is very funny.

For his astonishing achievements. So tragically a victim of his time.

For flying in the face of Fascism.

For his bravery (or foolhardiness) in being a public, effeminate gay man when it was completely against the mores of the time. We appreciate that he would say he couldn't help it, as he didn't know how to be anything else.

For 'kicking ass' in a man's world!

For his contribution to Wit, Art and Literature, if not for his poor judgement in pursuing the case that lead to his personal downfall. He just wouldn't let it lie.