The First Openly Gay Male Celebrity in the UK and Beyond: Quentin Crisp

In the United Kingdom, the term 'openly gay male celebrity' evokes the name of Quentin Crisp. While Elton John and other celebrities may have come out as bisexual, Crisp was one of the earliest public figures to identify as gay without reservation, marking a significant milestone in the societal acceptance of LGBTQ individuals.

Elton John: More Saga Than Spectacle

Elton John, though a notable icon, came out as bisexual in 1976 before eventually declaring himself gay in 1988. However, his relationships with both men and women, documented by various media outlets, suggest that his primary identity may have been gay all along. The British media, under the influence of what was then known as Fleet Street, may have pushed him to publicly affirm his gay identity, much to his reluctant acknowledgment.

George Melly: Early and Open

George Melly, another prominent British cultural figure, was notably open about his sexuality in the early 1960s. His first autobiography, Owning Up, was released in 1965, a time when homosexual acts between men were illegal in the UK. Interestingly, by the time the book was published, Melly had already gotten married to his second wife, showcasing a complex blend of openness and societal pressures.

The Enigma of David Bowie

David Bowie's reveal of his gay identity in 1972 was met with a divided reception. Critics and fans alike considered him exclusively gay, despite the hints of bisexuality. The distinction between being gay and bi is often blurred, and Bowie himself maintained a certain level of ambiguity, leading some to still believe he was closeted as a heterosexual.

A Tom Robinson Controversy

A more public and controversial figure is Tom Robinson, who achieved fame with his hit song 'Glad to Be Gay'. Despite being lauded as the first openly gay British rock star, Robinson later admitted to being bisexual. In a highly publicized moment, The Sun newspaper ran an article with the inflammatory headline 'Glad to Be Straight,' which fueled resentment from Robinson and marked a significant point of tension over the nuanced nature of sexual identity.

Bi-Identity: A Nuanced Question

The question arises: Is coming out as bisexual any easier or less significant than coming out as gay? The complexity of sexual identity and the societal implications of bi-identity complicate this issue. The acceptance and understanding of bisexuality often lag behind gay identity, especially in environments that may view bisexuality as a lack of commitment rather than a real sexual orientation.

Ironies and Anecdotes

It's worth noting that not everyone's identity has always been subject to such scrutiny. Aleister Crowley, though known for his multifaceted life and controversial beliefs, was often perceived as bisexual, yet he avoided legal penalties for his sexual activities. In contrast, Oscar Wilde, another prominent British figure, faced severe legal consequences for his perceived homosexuality. This stark contrast illustrates how societal attitudes towards sexual identity can shift over time.

Interestingly, figures like Quentin Crisp and George Melly were known to my father, Clifford Hall, through their mutual friend, the author W. S. Bill Meadmore, in the late 1930s. Although my father and Bill were not themselves gay or bisexual, they shared a certain bohemian spirit.

The journey to greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ identities in the UK and beyond continues, and figures like Crisp, Melly, Bowie, Robinson, and others have played crucial roles in this ongoing narrative.