Image via Equality Forum.
Each year, the Equality Forum announces new LGBT icons to celebrate throughout the month of October in the eighth LGBT History Month. “In its 8th year, there are 248 Icons with resources archived on the site, making LGBT History Month the free go-to site for LGBT role models, civil rights history, and our national and international impact,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum and founder of LGBT History Month. The Icons were selected from more than 500 nominations, and include influential LGBT persons from all walks of life. Actresses like Queen Latifah, pioneers like Sally Ride, and artists like Tom of Finland—the month is meant to celebrate the diversity within the LGBT community.
The complete list of icons can be found after the jump…
LGBT History Month 2013 Icons
1. Zackie Achmat – South African Activist
2. Edward Albee – Playwright
3. Gwen Araujo – Transgender Hero
4. Reinaldo Arenas – Cuban Author
5. Axel Axgil – Activist
6. Djuna Barnes – Author
7. Joseph Beam – Activist
8. Gad Beck – Holocaust Survivor
9. Joan Biren – Documentarian
10. Patrick Califia – Author
11. Mandy Carter – Activist
12. Willa Cather – Author
13. Tracy Chapman – Singer/Songwriter
14. Tim Cook – Apple CEO
15. Anderson Cooper – Journalist
16. Elio Di Rupo – Belgium Prime Minister
17. Martin Duberman – Historian
18. Tom of Finland – Artist
19. Brenda Howard – Mother of Pride
20. Nathan Lane – Actor
21. Queen Latifah – Entertainer
22. Simon Nkoli – South African Activist
23. Bruce Nugent – Author
24. Ma Rainey – Mother of the Blues
25. Sally Ride – National Hero
26. Marlon Riggs – Filmmaker
27. Vito Russo – Film Historian
28. Jose Sarria – Activist
29. George Takei – Actor
30. Jason Wu – Designer of Michelle Obama’s Gowns
31. John Lawrence & Tyron Garner – Won a Landmark Gay Rights Case
