Gay Icons
National Portrait Gallery, London
When a national institution suddenly recognises aspects of society that it has, hitherto, quietly ignored, it is either jumping on a well-oiled bandwagon or, occasionally, in the van of public opinion. In Gay Icons, the National Portrait Gallery is trying to do both, but lacks the courage of its convictions in raising awareness of the central part gay people play – and have played – in our society.
While rightly seeking to celebrate the achievements of gay and men and women to cultural, scientific and economic life – 40 years after the infamous Stonewall Riots in New York that signalled the beginning of gay liberation – this muddled exhibition fails to convince on any level.
Ten “out and proud” gay celebrities were invited to select six “iconic” photographs of people they admired, who need not be
gay. There’s the rub. Why not 10 gay
selectors picking six living or historical gay figures they admire? As it is, there is bewilderment all round in terms of aim or sexual orientation.
For years, I have argued that the NPG should offer a hand-list of gay/lesbian/
bisexual men and women (as well as writers, artists, scientists and so on) included in the collection for those that want it. Occasional tours in the gallery have gone part way to do this, but official recognition of sexual orientation has been slow to materialise.
Some selectors, such as the poet Jackie Kaye, politician Chris Smith and actor and activist Ian McKellen have, thankfully, opted for six gay “icons”, each of whom have a fascinating story to tell. Smith’s choice includes Alan Turing, famous for cracking the enigma code that helped bring the Second World War to a speedy close and for virtually inventing the computer. Harassed by the authorities and seen as a possible blackmail victim for his (open) sexuality, he took his own life in 1954 – or was possibly murdered.
Kaye’s choice includes women who passed as men (Billy Tipton) and women who had passionate relationships with men and women (Bessie Smith).
McKellen includes social reformer Edward Carpenter, San Francisco’s openly gay councillor Harvey Milk and drag artist Regina Fong.
Disappointingly, Elton John has gone for figures who are icons for him but are not, as far as is known, gay.
Even out entrepreneur Waheed Ali has backtracked by selecting Diana Princess of Wales, a great portrait of someone who certainly raised public awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but it was more encouraging to see the image of Angela Mason (selected by McKellen). While less glamorous, she worked staunchly for the Stonewall organisation, helping to support many HIV/AIDS sufferers, encouraged government to bring the age of consent for gay sex in line with that for heterosexuals, as well as introduce civil partnerships.
Overall, the selections tended to fall into the personal, the political and the cultural, but where is Dennis Lemon, editor and founder of the pioneering Gay News, or other luminaries in fearlessly blazing a trail of liberation?
The cult of the personality in highlighting the character of the selectors and their personal icons dodges more challenging questions about the way gay/lesbian/bisexual men and women have fought for their own – and others’ – freedom while being bravely open about themselves and, possibly, risking life and limb while making huge contributions to our life and times.
One can only hope that, having put its toe in the water, the NPG will now offer a serious and considered exhibition of the central part gay/bisexual people have played in all aspects of life.
Emmanuel Cooper
Gay Icons continues until October 18
