*Starting with this guy
In times qf upheaval, power changes hands fast. It's no surprise, then, that two of our top 10 names this year are new entries. Or that one - Apple's Tim Cook - rockets to the top of the list. TV and the Internet remain fertile ground for LGBT talent and power to flourish, with five more of our group coming from talk shows, news programs, or tablet launches (Ellen DeGeneres, Anderson Cooper, Rachel Maddow, new entry Shepard Smith, and Barry Diller) . As always, the positions were determined by a range of factors, including power to influence cultural and social attitudes, political clout, individual wealth, and a person's media profile.
1.TIM COOK
COO/ACTING CEO, APPLE, SO
Each time Steve Jobs takes medical leave it's Cook - "soft-spoken [and] intensely private," to quote The New York Times- who steps up to lead the world's most valuable tech firm. While it is Jobs's prescience that has kept the Cupertino, Calif., company at the cutting edge of technology, it's Cook who made sure Apple could deliver as demand rocketed. Leader-in-waiting? Most definitely. New entry
2. ELLEN DEGENERES
TALK SHOW HOST, SPOKESWOMAN, RECORD LABEL OWNER, 53
When Oprah appeared as a guest on her 1,000th show in May 2009, the queen of daytime all but passed the torch to Ellen, a role she's readily embraced. Judging American Idol wasn't quite the right fit for DeGeneres last year, but she compensated by launching her own music label, eleveneleven, and signing artists including Jessica Simpson. Previously ist
3. ANDERSON COOPER
JOURNALIST/NEWS ANCHOR, 43
As our most palpably compassionate witness to history, Cooper has had to endure some tough assignments this year. First, in February, he was punched in the head by proMubarak stooges in Cairo; then, in March, he was forced to flee Fukushima in Japan over radiation fears - gripping TV that pushed his CNN show, AC360, to a near ratings tie with Fox kingpin Bill O'Reilly. All that, and the wily fox still made time for Vanity Fair's annual Oscar party- in the company of boyfriend Benjamin Maisani, no less. Previously 3rd
4. RACHEL MADDOW
TVHOST/POLITICAL COMMENTATOR, 38
With more than a million nightly viewers (up34%fromlastyear), Maddow displays a quick, mischievous wit and finely honed BS detector that have turned her into a natural target for the Right. After attacking Wisconsin governor Scott Walker for trying to strip public employees of their bargaining rights, she received a torrent of personal abuse but chose to take the high road in reply: "Just because you don't like the way it sounds when I say it oryou don't like my haircut or you don't like that I'm gay, it does not mean that what we say is not true." Previously 4th
5. BARNEY FRANK
CONGRESSMAN, 71
Frank easily won reelection at the close of 2010, though he lost his chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee as the balance of power shifted to the Republicans. His combative, often outspoken style keeps him in the headlines, and he remains a force to be reckoned with. Previously 2nd
6. SHEPARD SMITH
FOX NEWS ANCHOR, 47
The Mississippi native, whose nightly Fox Report With Shepard Smith has won its time slot for more than 100 consecutive months, has been with Fox News since its 1996 inception. His loyalty paid off in 2007 when he signed a three-year contract estimated at $7-8 million peryear, renewing it again in 2010 for another three years. New entry
7. PETER THIEL
VENTURE CAPITALIST/HEDGE FUND MANAGER, 43
The PayPal cofounder invested $500,000 in Facebook in 2004. The worth of his share now? Close to $2 billion. And while his hedge fund, Clarium Capital, has dwindled from $7 billion in assets to about $1.5 billion, Thiel still manages to pour big bucks into his esoteric projects, including supporting life extension and artificial intelligence. He hosted conservative gay rights group GOProud and Ann Coulter in his New York City apartment last September and, in a hugely controversial move, has offered to pay 20 students $100,000 to drop out of college and start their own business. Previously 21st
8. BARRY DILLER
CHAIRMAN, IAC, 69
Yes, he was responsible for Grease and Saturday Night Fever while chairman of Paramount in the 1970s, but Diller's talents didn't end there. His relentless ambition has raised his fortune to $1.2 billion, and though he stepped down as CEO of his Internet company IAC last December, it was only to devote more time to his latest venture: the Daily Beast-Newsweek merger. Previously 6th
9. JOE SOLMONESE
PRESIDENT, HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, 46
Often pilloried by grassroots activists who feel that the HRC, the largest LGBT organization in the country, is too cozy with politicians, Solmonese can take deserved credit for the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," and to a lesser extent for helping persuade the Obama administration to stop defendingthe constitutionality of the heinous Defense of Marriage Act. Previously 8th
10. RICH ROSS
CHAIRMAN, WALT DISNEY STUDIOS, 48
At the helm of the world's most famous movie studio, Ross has tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the way America views itself. If early indications are anything to go by - the studio has signed on to projects with left-field directors like Guillermo del Toro and David Fincher - he's already moving the needle in the right direction. Previously 12th
11. TAMMY BALDWIN
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR WISCONSIN'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 49
DAVID CICILLINE
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR RHODE ISLAND'S FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 49
JARED POLIS
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR COLORADO'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, 36
The first openly gay woman to serve in the House of Representatives and the cofounder and cochair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus (with 90 members), Baldwin continues her ardent campaign to win equal rights for LGBT Americans. In March, Polis (whose estimated personal worth exceeds $100 million) reintroduced the 2010 Student Nondiscrimination Act to defend LGBT schoolchildren from discrimination and prohibit schools from ignoring harassing behavior. Former Providence mayor Cicilline became the fourth openly gay member of Congress in January and in March, along with Baldwin, Polis, and Barney Frank, reintroduced the Respect for Marriage Act in an attempt to repeal DOMA. Previously 9th (Baldwin); 10th (Polis); new entry (Cicilline)
12. MARC JACOBS
FASHION DESIGNER, 48
The world's most bankable designer shows no sign of slipping. He ended last year with a certain Bang and began this year with another. His much-lauded fetish-inspired collection for Louis Vuitton closed with a cigarette-smoking Kate Moss sauntering down the runway in kinky hot pants and lace-up boots. Previously nth
13. SCOTTRUDIN
FILM AND THEATER PRODUCER, 52
Rudin continued his tradition of box office and awards show gold this year, producing films including The Social Network, True Grit, and the upcoming Giri With the Dragon Tattoo, and Broadway shows A Behanding in Spokane, The Book of Mormon, and The House of Blue Leaves. Previously 20th
14. RYAN MURPHY
WRITER-DIRECTOR-PRODUCER, 45
This year Glee, Ryan Murphy's scripted show choir juggernaut, wasn't just the gayest thing on the airwaves - it was the biggest. In January it nabbed three Golden Globes including Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy, and songs from the show's soundtracks broke Billboard records once held by legends like the Beatles and Elvis Presley. Still, the lackluster Eat, Pray, Love and a very public war of words with rock band Kings of Leon over their refusal to be conscripted into the Glee army hit noticeably low notes. New entry
15. TOM FORD
FASHION DESIGNER/FILM DIRECTOR, 49
Since he left Gucci in 2004, Ford's restless energy has seen the designer launch his eponymous line of menswear, an everexpanding fragrance range, and his movie debut, A Single Man, for which Colin Firth won a Golden Globe (and should have won an Oscar). Ford has now set his sights on the much more lucrative - and competitive - world of women's fashion. His first collection was shown to a select authence last fall and immediately heralded by Cathy Horyn in The New York Times as a "full-on glamour assault." Previously 13th
16. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS
ACTOR, 37
The accolades continue to come in for new father Harris, who won an Emmy last year for his guest spot on Glee and will receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year. Apart from stealing the show on How I Met Your Mother, he directed a production of Rent at the Hollywood Bowl, starred in a New York Philharmonic production o� Company, and there's talk of him returning to Broadway to headline the revival of Barnum. Previously 7th
17. JANN WENNER
PUBLISHING MAGNATE, 65
In an age when pundits say print magazines have no weight, Wenner's Rolling Stone set the world alight with the nowfamous General McChrystal interview last year. The piece embarrassed a president, cost the general his job, and arguably shifted the focus of the war in Afghanistan.PrevzousZy 16th
18. ANTHONY ROMERO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ACLU, 45
The first gay man to serve as the director of the ACLU, Romero was dubbed the champion of civil rights by Time magazine. In the last 12 months Romero has overseen the ACLU's landmark lawsuit challenging Arizona's anti-immigrant law, which encourages police to engage in racial profiling, and stood up to and won against a Mississippi school district that refused to let Constance McMillen, a lesbian high-schooler, bring a female date to her prom. Previously 24th
19. DAVID GEFFEN
BILLIONAIRE PHILANTHROPIST, 68
Age isn't diminishing Geffen's influence: There was a preGrammy Gala and Salute to Industry Icons in his honor earlier this year, and his estimated net worth of $5.1 billion, plus a pledge reported in Forbes to donate any monies he makes to charity, keep him a player. Previously 18th
20. PEREZ HILTON
BLOGGER, 33
Once infamous for usinghis gossip site to out celebrities and doodle droplets of DNA across starlets' mug shots, Hilton took to the stage of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2011 to publicly pledge a sloughing of his bad-boy ways. The blogger made good on his promise and soon after teamed up with Dan Savage to transform the It Gets Better antibullying campaign from a viral phenom into a full-fledged political movement. Previously 26th
21. ANDREW SULLIVAN
JOURNALIST/BLOGGER, 47
Though he can be irascible, mercurial, and self-aggrandizing, Sullivan is nevertheless one of our most dynamic thinkers and writers. Alongwith Evan Wolf son (number 48) he can rightly be considered a gay-marriage evangelist who popularized the idea long before it gained mainstream traction. His move from The Atlantic to Tina Brown's Daily Beast-Newsweek "adventure" (his word) potentially gives him an even greater platform. Previously 31st
22. TIM GILL
SOFTWARE ENTREPRENEUR/ ACTIVIST, 57
The Quark founder's second act as an LGBT political activist began in 1994 when he started the Gill Foundation and later the Gill Action Fund, which was successful in ousting 56 out of its 68 targeted antigay officials in the 2006 election. Last year, Gill provided the seed funding for Fight Back New York, which successfully led to the defeat of three state senators who opposed marriage equality. Previously 14th
23. CHRISTINE QUINN
SPEAKER OF THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL, 44
The first woman and first openly gay person to hold this plum political position, Quinn continues to speak her mind on hot-button issues like the proposed "9/11 mosque" and her quest to see gay marriage legalized in the Empire State. This year she went so far as to request that the city clerk's office inform same-sex couples that they can legally wed in other states - and have their marriage recognized in New York - when they apply for domestic partnerships. Previously 23rd
24. ANDY COHEN
TELEVISION IMPRESARIO, 42
We can thank master puppeteer Cohen for addictive reality series like Top Chef, The Millionaire Matchmaker, and the ubiquitous Real Housewives. This past year the producer added three more zip codes to the juggernaut franchise (bringing in ladies from Miami, D.C., and Beverly Hills), and as "the face of Bravo" he now seems inescapable himself, hosting the Housewives reunion specials and his late-night talk show, Watch What Happens Live, in between trash-talking P. S. 22 fifth-graders. New entry
25. SUZE ORMAN
FINANCIAL ADVISER/ TALK SHOW HOST, 59
This year Orman's already cashfat empire grew even fatter with the addition of abook, a new show alongside Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz on OWN that peddles her trademark brand of no-nonsense financial advice, and a slew of appearances including an awe-inspiring, if not cringe-worthy, chiding of the Octomom's dollar dumb-dumbs on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Previously 27th
26. ANNISE PARKER
MAYOR OF HOUSTON, 54
The first openly gay mayor of a city with more than ? million residents (Houston is the fourth most populous in the U. S .) , Parker assumed her post in 2010. The mother of three and former software analyst served as Houston's comptroller from 2004 till 2009. New entry
27. BRYAN LOURDAND KEVIN HUVANE
MANAGING PARTNERS OF CAA, 51 AND 52
As the agents of record for toptier clients like Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, Oprah, Madonna, and George Clooney, Lourd and Huvane not only steer the careers of many of Hollywood's biggest power players, they also get to take 10% of their earnings. Previously 33rd
28. CHAD GRIFFIN
POLITICAL STRATEGIST, 37
In August 2010, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (cofounded by Griffin) won the verdict overturning Proposition 8. The appeal could take years to reach the Supreme Court, and until then the judgment stays, but the victory was a vital milestone. Previously 29th
29. MARTHA NELSON
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, TIMEINC, 58
Christmas came early for Nelson, when at the beginning of December she was bumped to the number 2 spot at Time Inc. Formerly head of the division that includes People, InStyle, EntertainmentWeekly, and Essence, she now heads all of Time Inc.'s fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment titles. Previously 39th
30. GREG BERLANTI
TELEVISION WRITER AND PRODUCER, 38
After five years at ABC/ Touchstone creating and/or shepherding four shows including Brothers & Sisters and No Ordinary Family, Berlanti has inked a four-year, eight-figure deal with Warner Bros, to create film and television projects. He recently completed Green Lantern, The Flash, and their upcoming Clash of the Titans sequel and will migrate production of his existing television projects over to Warner Bros, as well. Previously 47th in 2009
31. RICHARD BERKE
NATIONAL EDITOR, THB NEW YORK TIMES, 52
There are plenty of gay editors and writers at the paper of record, but keep a close eye on Mr. Berke, whose promotion to national editor last year gives him an agendasetting role in the run-up to next year's presidential election. Previously 22nd
32. JEREMY BERNARD
WHITE HOUSE SOCIAL SECRETARY, 49
The former senior adviser to the U.S. ambassador in Paris, Bernard was tapped by Michelle Obama in February to organize all White House social events, making him the first man - and the first gay person - to land the position. Bernard will oversee the guest lists of literally hundreds of galas this year, ensuring that bigwig pol�ticos are full and happy (and that no Real Housewives sneak in). Whether it's a state dinner or a bill signing, it goes through this gatekeeper. Previously 31st in 2009
33. CHUCKWOLFE
CEO, THE VICTORY FUND, 49
The Victory Fund's maxim is simple: by electing members of the LGBT community into governmental offices, the political dialogue will be altered and the interests of gay citizens will be given the consideration they deserve. President and CEO of the political action committee since 2003, the tenacious and enterprising activist is paving the way for our future equality. New entry
34. NICK DENTON
CEO, GAWKER MEDI A, 44
In the old days Nick Denton went out of his way to avoid interviews, letting the success of his online empire speak for him. No longer. A rash of recent profiles - in New York, The New Yorker, and most recently The Atlantic- have sought to understand what makes the newmedia maverick tick. A major redesign of his sites switched off swaths of regulars, but Denton is in this for the long haul and won't let a road bump deter him from redefining the rules of journalism, whether you're with him or not. Previously 34th
35. ROBERT HANSON
GLOBAL PRESIDENT, LEVI'S, 48
A GLAAD honoree last year, Hanson has helped channel Levi's significant corporate funding toward HIV/AIDS and LGBT programs, such as New York City's Hetrick-Martin Institute. And as head of the world's most iconic denim brand, he's been instrumental not only in steering the company through a turbulent economy, but in growing it at the same time. Previously 37th
36. MARY KAY HENRY
PRESIDENT, SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, 52
When the labor activist assumed the helm last May, Henry became the first woman ever to lead the 2.2 million-member SEIU. Though a flagging economy has trimmed union membership, the group is still a major force in Democratic politics: It spent $44 million on various senate and governors' races in 2010 alone. New entry
37. KEN MEHLMAN
ACTIVIST, 44
As a campaign manager for George W. Bush's 2004 reelection, Mehlman drewthe ire of gay activists who accused him of helping to amplify homophobic sentiment. Last year he finally came out - the most senior Republican ever to do so- and committed himself to overturning Proposition 8 in California. Not everyone is impressed by this road-to-Damascus conversion, but there's no doubting his skills. As Rachel Maddow told Out last fall, "Whatever it is Ken Mehlman wants to do, he's probably going to get it done." New entry
38. NATE BERKUS
INTERIOR DESIGNER/TALK SHOW HOST, 39
Berkus traded in the sure-thing safety of Oprah's cushytelevisionnestforhisown daytime talk show last fall, and though the fate of it has yet to be determined, he managed to win himself an impressive 1.1 household metered-market rating during his first two weeks out of the gates. Previously 21st in 2008
39. MATT DRUDGE
BL0GGER.44
The pioneering news-blogging giant killer took on the traditional media and redefined the art of commentary. His site ain't pretty, and to many, neither are his right-wing politics, but his influence, while not what it used to be, remains formidable. As of this year, he's started tweeting too. Previously 15th
40. DAN SAVAGE
WRITER/ACTIVIST, AGE 46
The popular sex columnist makes the Power 50 for the first time thanks to his tremendously successful Its Gets Better campaign, launched with his partner, Terry Miller, last September after the suicide of 15-year-old Billy Lucas, a victim of bullying. Six months later the campaign had elicited 9,000 videos, including one recorded by President Obama, and another by Hillary Clinton. Although the approach has dissenters (who have argued that the message is na�ve and specious) it continues to touch lives around the world, and underscores the power of social media to reach into homes and communities beyond the scope of traditional media. New entry
41. ADAM MOSS
EDITOR IN CHIEF, NE W YORK, 53
He brought a so-so magazine roaring back to life, spawned a legion of copycats, and scooped up armloads of awards for his efforts. His latest, and greatest, coup? Persuading Nw York Times titan Frank Rich to abandon the Old Gray Lady for his spunky title. Previously 40th
42. CHRISTINE VACHON
MOVIE PRODUCER, 49
The brilliant producing mind behind Far From Heaven, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Boys Don't Cry spent much of the past year toiling on Dustin Lance Black's What's WrongWith Virginia? and HBO's ambitious five-part miniseries Mildred Pierce, which is sure to have her busy next awards season. Previously 40th in 2008
43. ADAM LAMBERT
MUSICIAN, 29
With American Idol little more than a memory for Lambert, the singer's 2009 debut album still managed to garner more than 800,000 sales, thanks in large part to singles like "Whataya Want From Me" and "IfI Had You." Whether fans will be around to gobble up his self-proclaimed "less camp" sophomore album when it drops later this year is another matter. Previously 5th
44. JOHN COOPER
DIRECTOR, SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, 54
Cooper's first year as director of Sundance (2010) introduced Oscar favorites The Kids Are All Right, Winter's Bone, and Blue Valentine to the film world - not abad start. In his second year, Cooper's balance of big-name features and critically heralded small-budget films harkened to the festival's 27-year-old roots, keeping it the largest gathering of U.S. independent filmmakers. Previously 45th
45. DUSTIN LANCE BLACK
SCREENWRITER, DIRECTOR, ACTIVIST, 36
His prodigious talents earned him an Oscar for Milk, and he has every chance of scoring a second for his script for Clint Eastwood's biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, starring Leo DiCaprio as the closeted FBI chief. That movie is scheduled for20i2,but in the meantime Black has plenty to keep him occupied, not least in his capacity as aboard member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights - a leading opponent of Proposition 8 - and the Trevor Project. Previously 30th
46. JODIE FOSTER
ACTRESS, 48
Foster's name can still close a deal in Hollywood, but the twotime Oscar-winner's ability to strike gold at the box office may be tested with her latest movie, The Beaver, and her defense of costar Mel Gibson- she describedhim as "incredibly loving and sensitive" - has left many of us squirming. Previously 41st
47. JIM NELSON
EDITOR IN CHIEF, GQ, 48
As Vogue's male counterpart, the consistently beautiful GQ has been the reigning men's fashion and lifestyle magazine since its inception asa clothing trade publication in 1931, making its editor in chief, Jim Nelson, Conde Nast's male Anna Wintour. When his raunchy cover of Glee's CoryMonteith, Dianna Agron, and Lea Michele brought accusations of pedophilia from the Parents Television Council, Nelson decided the best defense was offense: "These 'kids' are in their 20S," he retorted. "I think they're old enough to do what they want." Previously 46th
48. EVAN WOLFSON
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, FREEDOM TO MARRY, 54
The Brooklyn-born civil rights attorney takes no small amount of credit for turning the tide of public opinion in favor of marriage equality. In addition to arguing before the Supreme Court in Boy Scouts of America etalw. Dale, he has been hugely instrumental in changing state laws in favor of civil unions, including in Vermont and Hawaii. New entry
49. LISA CHOLODENKO
WRITER/DIRECTOR, 46
Her critically acclaimed family dramedy, The Kids Are All Right, may not have snagged Cholodenko an Oscar, but the director did net four Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe win, and an HBO television deal for her troubles. (The movie, which starred Annette Bening and Julianne Moore asa lesbian couple, was also the highestgrossing indie of 2010.) Cholodenko is now at work on her next film, The Abstinence Teacher, based on the book by Tom Perrotta. New entry
50. ARIEL FOXMAN
EDITOR, INSTYLE, 37
For its millions of subscribers, InStyle is their BFF, dishing out style and beauty advice and providing an inside scoop on the lives of the famous. Ad revenues have rebounded spectacularly since the economic slump of 2008, and on the newsstand- a critical measure of success- it remains the number ? selling magazine within its category. Foxman, who had earlier stints at Details and TAe New Yorker, and helmed the troubled men's style mag Cargo during its brief life, oversees the gigantic operation, while keeping a close watch on its 16 international editions. New entry
Gay, Conservative, and Fabulous
Dressed ina slinky black number, a glass of red wine swaying dangerously in one hand, the conservative TV pundit and former Dubya adviser Mary Matalin welcomed her authence of well-heeled gays and their allies to her Alexandria, Va., home. Matalin, who is married to the Democratic consultant James Carville, had offered to host the upstart conservative gay group GOProud for a February "Party on the Potomac." Among the allies were tax reform advocate Grover Norquist and new-media mogul Andrew Breitbart. Among the gays was Ken Mehlman, the young Republican operative who came out last year.
Introduced by Matalin as "the smartest guy in the room," Mehlman gave a short but considered speech in which he lionized Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater for changing the political culture of America. As a result, he said, people no longer based their vote on their religion or ethnicity, but on ideas . There was one exception: Gay voters were still treated as if "the arbitrary characteristics" of their birth determined their political ideology.
A growing number of gays are determined to change that, from GOProud cofounder Christopher Barron, a chiseled PR consultant who voted for McCain in 2008, to porn producer-turned-conservative ink slinger Michael Lucas, a guest at another GOProud fund-raiser hosted last fall by Ann Coulter (Lucas bravely challenged her for telling gay jokes). That event was held at the home of billionaire Peter Thiel and included a cadre of young stewards wearing freedom is fabulous T-shirts.
For James Kirchick, a gay journalist who frequently writes conservative commentaries for The Washington Post and The Advocate, there's no contradiction in being gay and a Republican. "You don't choose your sexuality, but you do choose how to think about the world," he says. "I don't see why someone who is gay can't also be a conservative."
As gays feel more comfortable in the world, it maybe inevitable that we follow the historic trajectory of other minorities increasingly attracted to Republican positions, but with latest polls showing a majority of Americans in support of gay marriage, the Republican scramble to defend DOMA looks shortsighted and anachronistic. And Ann Coulter is not doing anything to help change that. AARON HICKLIN
The Glee Effect
Each week, millions of young viewers tune in to Fox to watch American Idol contestants belt out Broadway standards and the cast of Glee perform ebullient renditions of old-school numbers from Cabaret, Funny Girl, and Gypsy. So it seems logical that they'd also pack theaters to check out a Gen Y star like Harry Potter's Darnel Radcliffe singing and dancing live.
"Idol and Glee have had a monumental impact in helping a show like ours," says Craig Zadan, coproducer of the new revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which boasts Radcliffe in his first musical. "They've helped build a younger authence for theater and encourage a new generation to pursue a career in musical theater."
But Glee's influence extends beyond American living rooms and midtown marquees. One of TV's highestrated scripted programs, the sharply written series about show choir underdogs competing for the national title has become a worldwide triumph (it's broadcast almost globally, from Croatia to Fiji) . The show has launched award-winning careers for out actors Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch, made gay creator Ryan Murphy a household name, and lured Britney and Gwyneth to make rare small-screen cameos. With five volumes of soundtracks, its realm also includes chart dominance: In February the cast broke Elvis Presley's Billboard Hot 100 record for the most charted songs for an act (more than 100 and counting). Bringing it full circle, a Glee stage adaptation is reportedly in the works.
No doubt the series will inspire some budding theaterphiles to walk the Great White Way for the first time. "Hopefully they will come away from the experience hooked on musical theater and come back to see other shows as well," Zadan says.
Veteran composer Marc Shaiman agrees but is pragmatic. "I've been troubled when 'Broadway' has been used as a pejorative on American Idol," he says. "It also seems disingenuous since the biggest successes Idol alumni have enjoyed - outside the lucky fewwhose recording careers have taken off- is on Broadway." Still, Shaiman is pleased that Fox has tapped into a new musical theater Zeitgeist. "I rejoice over the fact that Glee has made people singing about their feelings acceptable to the masses," he says. "Not to mention boys kissing." JEREM Y KINSER
Where is the first gay Food Network starr
Ina Garten - a.k.a. the Barefoot Contessa - can't shake a spatula without hitting one of her many gay friends, who are forever milling about her fabulous East Hampton kitchen. She, Paula Deen, Nigella Lawson, Sandra Lee, and the rest of the Scripps Networks' culinary fag-hag harem have gay men tuning into and TiVo-ing the Food Network and the Cooking Channel by the couchful. But, strangely, for all of this pink pantry programming, you won't find a single out gay chef chiffonading on either network. Sure, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Ted Allen pops up a few times a week to host Chopped or judge Iron Chef America, which also features lesbian chef Cat Cora. And yes, in 2005, Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith, two gay men (a couple no less) won the first season of the Food Network's wildly popular reality competition The Next Food Network Star, and were awarded their own show, Party Line With the Hearty Boys, but after scoring dismal ratings it was canceled within a year. So, where exactly is the first (never mind the next) gay Food Network star, and why hasn't he or she been discovered yet?
It could be that the right man for the job just hasn't presented himself. "We're always looking to broaden the diversity of our hosts, and we work hard to find talent that has the expertise, charisma, and broad appeal necessary to work on our air," says Bob Tuschman, general manager and seniorvice president of the Food Network, one of several gay high-level executives employed by Scripps. There's also the possibility that gay men have simply fallen into the chasm between the culturally sanctioned domestic approach of female chefs and the rough, often borderline homophobic atmosphere of professional kitchens that breed andboast Anthony Bourdain types. Still, not allhope is lost. Last December twinky Yigit Pura became the first queer winner of Bravo's Top Chef franchise, proving that elusive perfect trifecta of talent, likability, an on-camera appeal is out there. It may be only a matter of time before Pura, or someone like him, is wooed by the Scripps Networks. Until then, we'll have to settle for watching Ina Garten's gay BFFs tuck into her famous truffle macaroni and cheese. NOAH MICHELSON
Coming Up Fast
There are 10 new names on this year's Power 50, a broad gauge of how much easier it has become for gay men and women to advance in their careers. Which names might we see emerging on the list in 2012 or beyond? Herewith, a primer on 10 movers and shakers to keep an eye on:
1. JEREMY HEIMANS
ACTIVIST, 33
The world needs more people like Heimans, an expat Aussie now living in New York City, andfounder ofAvaaz.org, a selfdescribed "global Web movement to bring people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere."Amongother successes, Avaaz helped secure a 450,000-strongpetition against a proposed Ugandan lawthat would sentence gays to death.
2. JARED ENG
BLOGGER, 29
Better known as Just Jared, the young celebrity blogger has been giving Perez a run for his money with a snark-free approach to pop culture that brings 11 million monthly unique visitors to his two sites, Just Jared and JustJaredJr.
3. SEAN HORVATH
EVP, BRANDED ENTERTAINMENT, ALLOY MEDIA + MARKETING, 40
Advertisers keen to target a young authence would be smart to go through Horvath, who has overseen websites and online programming for hit teen shows like Gossip Girl and TAe Vampire Diaries as well as original digital series for teens. Watch what happens next.
4. NICOLA FORMICHETTI
STYLIST/CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ FASHION DIRECTOR , 33
Thanks to best friend and cocreator Lady Gaga, Formichetti is now arguably the most famous stylist in the world. And if helping the pop star dream up and execute her latest avant-garde masterpiece didn't keep him busy enough, he also serves as the creative director for Thierry Mugler and the fashion director for Vogue Hommes Japan and chic Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo.
5. TOBIAS MEYER
SOTHEBY'S WORLDWIDE HEAD OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 48
Dubbed the "seller of the century" by the London Evening Standard, Meyer was the auctioneer for sales of Pablo Picasso's Gar�on�laPipe ($104.2 million) and Dora Maar au chat ($95.2 million) - the two most expensive paintings in auction history.
6. JON STRYKER
ARCHITECT/DONOR, 52
One of the richest gay people on the Forbes list is also one of the most quietly effective when it comes to political action, using his Arcus Foundation to fund pro-equality candidates in marginal seats, particularly in his home state of Michigan. His other big philanthropic mission: preserving the habitat of great apes.
7. ALEXANDER WANG
FASHION DESIGNER, 26
Already an award-winner in women's wear and accessories, Wang was named GQ's Best New Menswear Designer this year for his line T, a collection of slouchy delicious knits. In February he also celebrated the opening of his first flagship store, in SoHo.
8. CHRISTOPHER BARRON
COFOUNDER, GOPROUD, 37
GoProud, the feisty right-wing collective of gays, is essentially the Tea Party with plucked eyebrows and exfoliated skin. Cofounder Barron, a public relations executive, has quickly established the group as a force to be reckoned with: Its Homocon fund-raiser in New York City, featuring anti-gay marriage Ann Coulter as keynote speaker, was national news.
9. KEN MCNEELY
PRESIDENT, AT&T CALIFORNIA, 48
With responsibility for external affairs, public policy, and philanthropic activities for AT8cT in California, McNeely oversees more than 45,000 employees for the country's largest wireless and telecommunications provider.
10. SETH WEISSMAN
INVESTOR/REAL ESTATE MAGNATE, 28
Along with his two business partners, Weismann pulled a feat of daring last year when he bought Fire Island Pines - or at least the part that matters: the bar-hotel-nightclub at the heart of the marina, which he gave a much-needed makeover. Can he please try doing the same to Chelsea?
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий