Welcome to March Madness, Watermark-style! Over the next month or so, you, our readers, will choose the ULTIMATE GAY ICON in a single elimination tournament.
We started with 32 LGBT contenders and now are in round 2, with 16 LGBT Icons and eight match-ups. They’re divided into four brackets: Divas, Film, Television and Politics & Sports.
Below the bracket, find the polls for the Round 2 match-ups. Place your bets and cast your vote in each until noon EST Friday, March 25. We’ll announce the winners later then reset for ROUND 3 on Monday. (Right click the bracket below and open it in a new tab to see it larger)
DIVAS
Adam Lambert vs. Cher
Gaga is gone-gone and Madonna is Frozen as those who worship their American Idol came out in droves, but if anyone can stand up to the Glamberts, it’s Cher. Adam Lambert fans discovered our Ultimate Gay Icon via Twitter and were responsible for the Idol’s trouncing of Lady Gaga, but even if they return, don’t expect Cher’s fans to leave this contest a Ghost Town. She won her previous match-up against Madonna soundly and brings to this round a lot of glamour. Do you Believe?
[poll id=”22″]
Bette Midler vs. Elton John
We were a little surprised by how handily Elton John beat out Adele last round, as we’d assumed Adele’s rabid fanbase would give her some edge. But the voters have spoken and this was Elton John’s song. Now, with all of his glitter and good works fighting HIV/AIDS, he faces off against Bette Midler. The Divine Miss M was no amateur in her first round bout as she stuck it to Liza with a Z, using a little Hocus Pocus, and got Minnelli stuck between the moon and New York City and seriously lacking in votes.
[poll id=”23″]
FILM
Jodie Foster vs. Ian McKellen
Jodie Foster might make Contact with voters now that the latest issue of Interview has come out – have you seen it? It’s gorgeous – but while she’s iconic and a great role model, she has never officially come out. Voters may prefer Ian McKellen’s more open brand of charm – the actor is on record as stating that being gay has made him a better actor, and if Gandalf has anything to say about it we think it would be along the lines of “Mrs. Foster, YOU SHALL NOT PASS!”
[poll id=”24″]
Nathan Lane vs. Barbra Streisand
We consider Nathan Lane’s advancement to Round 2 a bit of an upset – based on our readers’ gleeful reactions every time Watermark runs an interview with John Waters, we were giving Waters the edge. But Watermark readers get just as excited when they’re channel-flipping and find The Birdcage, so Lane it is. Plus have you seen him at F. Lee Bailey in American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson? He takes on Barbra Streisand, who is such an LGBT icon she’s listed in Wikipedia’s “Gay Icon” entry. Seriously, look it up. We’re calling this one American Madness Story: The People vs. Yentil.
[poll id=”25″]
TELEVISION
Neil Patrick Harris vs. Ellen DeGeneres
Both of these contenders spanked the competition in their Round 1 match-ups and now, it’s a battle of Nice vs. Nice. Will voters hand it to Neil Patrick Harris, his adorably gay family and their truly committed love of Halloween? Or will Ellen take it with her happy marriage to Portia Di Rossi and her everywoman charm that literally puts a lesbian in millions of living rooms every day? These two are arguably the greatest award show hosts ever, so hand them the mic and get your opening numbers ready, because here we go.
[poll id=”26″]
RuPaul vs. Kathy Griffin
It’s the drag diva vs. the drag you through the mud diva. Both RuPaul and Kathy Griffin are reality show stars that love to throw some shade. Both are bold and controversial with there no nonsense, take no prisoners attitudes toward their detractors. These are two television divas that carry fierce fanbases and the one who comes out on top is gonna be the one who rallies the troops, so you better work. Good luck ladies, and don’t f*ck it up.
[poll id=”27″]
SPORTS & POLITICS
Harvey Milk vs. Billie Jean King
Many consider Harvey Milk to be THE LGBT Icon. Not only is his image iconic but his quote from the Hope Speech, “My name is Harvey Milk and I’m here to recruit you,” although said jokingly, has become a rallying cry for the community. On the other side of the court, Billie Jean King is plain and simple a sport legend, okay? She is an out lesbian, she’s a champion, she has inspired thousands of athletes regardless of orientation with her drive, her discipline and her determination.
[poll id=”28″]
Greg Louganis vs. President Obama
Well, Greg Louganis thanked Watermark for nominating him on Twitter and President Obama did not, if that influences your decision. (It probably shouldn’t – Obama’s busy trying to make sure the end times don’t rain down in the upcoming election.) When Louganis’ head had a fight with a diving board in 1988, he single-handedly changed the perception of an HIV+ person from someone who is sickly and diseased to someone who is strong enough to be a world-class athlete. Since then he’s been an outspoken advocate. But during his eight years in office, President Obama’s record on LGBT issues is also world-class. No more DOMA, no more DADT, a national HIV strategy… the man has done his job, and then some, for our community.
[poll id=”29″]
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