• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy

Towleroad Gay News

Gay Blog Towleroad: More than gay news | gay men

  • Travel
  • Sports
  • Law/Justice
  • Celebrities
  • Film/TV/Stream
  • Republicans
  • Madonna
  • Books
  • Men
  • Trans Rights
  • Tech/Science
  • Royals
  • Monkeypox
  • Kylie Minogue pays tribute to Olivia Newton-John and hails her as ‘inspiration’
  • Jane Lynch Departing Broadway Show ‘Funny Girl’ Earlier Than Expected — Is Lea Michele To Blame?
  • Inside Demi Lovato’s ‘Happy’ & ‘Healthy’ Romance With New Mystery Man

Gay Iconography: Does Judy Still Matter?

Bobby Hankinson November 22, 2013

Garland

The phrase "gay icon" gets tossed around a lot, but what does that really mean? Welcome to Gay Iconography, a new feature where we present a proposed iconic figure or character and then ask you to weigh in with your thoughts. So far we've looked at two pivotal television figures from the '90s (Rickie Vasquez from 'My So-Called Life' and Roseanne), but this week we tackle the heaviest of heavy hitters.

Any conversation about gay icons of past, present or future would simply be incomplete without mention of the legendary Judy Garland.

Whether it was the voice, the glamour, the tragedy or the ugly-duckling mentality, Judy has become the archetype for everything we expect a gay icon to be. While some younger generations may not identify as strongly with Judy personally, hers is the story we measure all other icons against.

Take a stroll down the old yellow brick road, relive some moments from Garland's career, and share your thoughts, AFTER THE JUMP…

Garland

The phrase "gay icon" gets tossed around a lot, but what does that really mean? Welcome to Gay Iconography, a new feature where we present a proposed iconic figure or character and then ask you to weigh in with your thoughts. So far we've looked at two pivotal television figures from the '90s (Rickie Vasquez from 'My So-Called Life' and Roseanne), but this week we tackle the heaviest of heavy hitters.

Any conversation about gay icons of past, present or future would simply be incomplete without mention of the legendary Judy Garland.

Whether it was the voice, the glamour, the tragedy or the ugly-duckling mentality, Judy has become the archetype for everything we expect a gay icon to be. While some younger generations may not identify as strongly with Judy personally, hers is the story we measure all other icons against.

Take a stroll down the old yellow brick road, relive some moments from Garland's career, and share your thoughts, AFTER THE JUMP…

video
play-rounded-fill
Link
typorama 6 copy
 

As a young star working for MGM, Judy had a string of successes working with Mickey Rooney. The breakneck pace of cranking out film after film for the studio laid the groundwork for Judy's tragic struggle with drugs, having been given pills as a child star to keep up. These early years also reinforced the idea that Judy was not a conventional beauty. She was made to wear caps on her teeth and rubber discs in her nostrils, and also called fat and a hunchback. 

 

video
play-rounded-fill
Link
typorama 6 copy
 

An iconic song in any context, Over the Rainbow was declared No. 1 on the Recording Industry Association of America and National Endowment for the Arts' "Songs of the Century" list, as well as No. 1 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years … 100 Songs." It's also a quintessential gay anthem, telling the story of what it means to dream of a place where one truly fits in. It (at least partially) inspired the Rainbow Flag we fly today, and cemented Judy into the bedrock of the community with "friend of Dorothy" becoming synonymous with being gay. Many even say that Judy's death was part of the impetus for the Stonewall Riots.

 

video
play-rounded-fill
Link
typorama 6 copy
 

It's hard not to love this over-the-top performance from 1949's In the Good Old Summertime. It even maintains its campy charm in GIF.

 

video
play-rounded-fill
Link
typorama 6 copy
 

Even the banter that Judy shares with Barbra Streisand before this performance on The Judy Garland Show embodies a sort of self-aware humor and diva attitude one expects from icons. Once they start singing, however, the electric energy between those incredible voices reminds us while not all gay icons are as immensely talented, the legends are. 

 

video
play-rounded-fill
Link
typorama 6 copy
 

Long before Mariah Carey cornered the holiday music market with "All I Want For Christmas," this classic from Meet Me In St. Louis was essential listening to make the yuletide gay.

Does Judy's legend still feel as relevant to the gay community today? Why do you think some folks are reluctant to identify with Judy Garland? Sound off in the comments.

Topics: Film/TV/Stream, Music, towleroad More Posts About: Barbra Streisand, Gay Iconography, Judy Garland

Related Posts
  • Judy Garland’s daughters launch a fragrance in honour of her 100th birthday
  • Last Month The Judy Garland Wizard of Oz Dress Was Found at Catholic University: Details, Reactions, Roundup
  • Garland ‘Interpreter’ Finds Love Possible at Every Stop in his ‘Trolley Song’ Mash Note to Queer Provincetown
  • Jane Lynch Departing Broadway Show ‘Funny Girl’ Earlier Than Expected — Is Lea Michele To Blame?

    Jane Lynch Departing Broadway Show ‘Funny Girl’ Earlier Than Expected — Is Lea Michele To Blame?

    Published by OK Magazine mega Jane Lynch will be leaving the Broadway production of Funny Girl in mid-August as opposed to early September. The actress, who had been playing Mrs. Brice, a.k.a. Fanny’s mother, last show …Read More »
  • Inside Demi Lovato’s ‘Happy’ & ‘Healthy’ Romance With New Mystery Man

    Inside Demi Lovato’s ‘Happy’ & ‘Healthy’ Romance With New Mystery Man

    Published by OK Magazine mega Demi Lovato has a new man in her life! The “Skyscraper” vocalist, who recently changed her pronouns back to she/her, has reportedly found love with a mystery musician. mega “It’s a …Read More »
  • Ivanka Trump All Smiles With Husband Jared Kushner As They Step Out For Date Night Hours After FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago

    Ivanka Trump All Smiles With Husband Jared Kushner As They Step Out For Date Night Hours After FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago

    Published by Radar Online MEGA; Chris Kleponis – Pool via CNP / MEGA Ivanka Trump looked carefree during a low-key date night with husband Jared Kushner on Monday, smiling and laughing just hours after her father …Read More »
  • FOX News Host Tucker Carlson ‘Deeply Concerned’ Text Messages Between Him & Alex Jones Will Leak To Public

    FOX News Host Tucker Carlson ‘Deeply Concerned’ Text Messages Between Him & Alex Jones Will Leak To Public

    Published by Radar Online Mega Fox News host Tucker Carlson is “deeply concerned” a number of text messages between him and Alex Jones may soon leak to the public, Radar has learned. The shocking development comes …Read More »
Previous Post: « Will Gay Hook-Up Apps Soon Reveal the STD Status of Potential Partners?
Next Post: LGBT Ally Weird Al Yankovic Gave ‘Born This Way’ Proceeds to HRC: VIDEO »

Primary Sidebar

Adjacent News

  • Texas church’s unauthorized production of ‘Hamilton’ ends with sermon comparing gay people to drug addicts: report

    Texas church’s unauthorized production of ‘Hamilton’ ends with sermon comparing gay people to drug addicts: report

  • Alex Jones’ Text Messages Turned Over To January 6 House Select Committee

    Alex Jones’ Text Messages Turned Over To January 6 House Select Committee

  • Michigan AG details Trump backers’ conspiracy to break into voting equipment

    Michigan AG details Trump backers’ conspiracy to break into voting equipment

Good Trash: Going to Read It Somewhere, Y’know

  • Pete Davidson Proposed to Kim Kardashian Before Their Breakup

    Pete Davidson Proposed to Kim Kardashian Before Their Breakup

  • New bombshell book on Trump reveals he wanted to be treated like Hitler: ‘Totally loyal’

    New bombshell book on Trump reveals he wanted to be treated like Hitler: ‘Totally loyal’

RSS Partner Links

  • Morning Round-Up: Jane Lynch; Solomon Bates; Ryan Murphy; Mary Trump; Drag Race & more!
  • Song of the Day: 'Wild World' by Cat Stevens
  • Wrestle Wednesday
  • Page 1 Roundup (08/10)
  • Kumail Nanjiani Reveals Why He Was Upset with Wife Emily V. Gordon on Their 15th Wedding Anniversary
  • Morning Wood
  • Serena Williams announces her retirement from pro tennis at 41: “Something’s got to give”

Most Recent

  • Kylie Minogue pays tribute to Olivia Newton-John and hails her as ‘inspiration’

    Kylie Minogue pays tribute to Olivia Newton-John and hails her as ‘inspiration’

  • Jane Lynch Departing Broadway Show ‘Funny Girl’ Earlier Than Expected — Is Lea Michele To Blame?

    Jane Lynch Departing Broadway Show ‘Funny Girl’ Earlier Than Expected — Is Lea Michele To Blame?

  • Inside Demi Lovato’s ‘Happy’ & ‘Healthy’ Romance With New Mystery Man

    Inside Demi Lovato’s ‘Happy’ & ‘Healthy’ Romance With New Mystery Man

  • Ivanka Trump All Smiles With Husband Jared Kushner As They Step Out For Date Night Hours After FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago

    Ivanka Trump All Smiles With Husband Jared Kushner As They Step Out For Date Night Hours After FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago

  • FOX News Host Tucker Carlson ‘Deeply Concerned’ Text Messages Between Him & Alex Jones Will Leak To Public

    FOX News Host Tucker Carlson ‘Deeply Concerned’ Text Messages Between Him & Alex Jones Will Leak To Public

  • Jane Seymour says Olivia Newton-John ‘was beyond a fighter’ at dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis

    Jane Seymour says Olivia Newton-John ‘was beyond a fighter’ at dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis

  • Donald Trump’s Former Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham Claims She Watched Him ‘Rip Up’ & ‘Throw Out’ Documents

    Donald Trump’s Former Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham Claims She Watched Him ‘Rip Up’ & ‘Throw Out’ Documents

  • Donald Trump Preparing To File Restraining Order Against Government Over Mar-A-Lago Raid

    Donald Trump Preparing To File Restraining Order Against Government Over Mar-A-Lago Raid

Most Commented

Social

Twitter @tlrd | Facebook | Instagram @tlrd

Footer

Copyright © 2022 · Log in

×