Who is the "most famous Lesbian in the world?"

[liamstliam]

The New York Times has an excellent analysis on where same-sex marriage stands, based on the appearance of Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi, on Oprah.

I would have recommended it anyway, but I did have a little furrowing of the forehead when Ms. de Rossi was quoted as saying Ellen was "the most famous lebian in the world."

Here's the context:

A decade ago, she had trouble getting work, a development that she and many observers chalked up to her being “the most famous lesbian in the world,” as Ms. de Rossi described her on “Oprah.”

But now she’s on the cover of the current issue of O magazine, exclusive real estate usually inhabited by Ms. Winfrey alone. She’s a pitchwoman not only for American Express but also for Cover Girl makeup, a heartland product if ever there was one.

Now, observations aside, who do you think is the most famous Lesbian in the world.

(I think we can do this without getting too tied up in "Well, she's really bisexual," for whatever value of "she" we mean.)

Anyway, my immediate thought, being a man of a certain age, was Martina Navatrilova, the great tennis player.

Is it an age thing?

A "general public vs. those of us who know a lot of Lesbian/Bi folks" question?

Where does your mind go on this one?

Comments

[cbpotts.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure: Rosie O'Donnell is pretty famous, but I don't know if the fame spreads world wide. Additionally, back in the day, Jodie Foster had some significant name recognition. Melissa Ethredge is pretty famous.

Aging myself, Billie Jean King certainly had world wide fame, but I don't know who remembers her anymore (I had to explain the Geico commercial to my children) Eleanor Roosevelt, same scenario. Gertrude Stein is pretty famous. Of course, those last two are dead. As is Aileen Wuornos, although I'd argue she's notorious rather than famous -- but if Charlize Theron plays you in the movie, you probably rate somehow...

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

...Jodie Foster is gay?

[cbpotts.livejournal.com]

Apparently, yes. It had been rumored for a very long time, and she seems to be becoming more open about it, according to this article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-501256/Jodie-Foster-comes-emotional-tribute-girlfriend-14-years.html

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

...you have made me a very, very happy woman.

*scurries off to put Jodie on her List*

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

The question was not: "Which Famous Lesbian/Bisexual Woman is the one people here most want to date?"

;)

That might be an interesting question, though.

[tisiphone.livejournal.com]

Well, that's easy. (Not that I've harbored Drew Barrymore fantasies since I was ... very young, or anything :)

[cypherindigo.livejournal.com]

I went to BJK first. Then Queen Christina of Sweden....

[cbpotts.livejournal.com]

I'm ashamed to admit I'd forgotten Queen Christina. My list is very American-centric. :-(

[fireglideflht.livejournal.com]

Thank you! My first thought was "Billie Jean King" and the whole palimony suit...