Tony Blair voted number one gay advocate
Gay Times published their list of top 30 gay icons and Tony Blair came out as number 1.
Yes, he may have caused major political problems for the country at home and overseas and yes he may have damaged the reputation of the labour party. However, according to Gay Times his influence on the gay community has been significant enough to warrant a title of top gay icon.
Other more obvious names on this list include Barbara Streisand, Sir Ian McKellen, Barbra Streisand, Stephen Fry and the late Joan Rivers.
Whilst Blair was Prime Minister the gay age of consent was lowered to match that of heterosexuals. Plus the beginnings of equal marriage were formed with civil partnerships.
More importantly, in my opinion, was the abolition of the horrific section 28, which denied discussion of non-heterosexual relationships within education. Under his rule transsexual people were also granted legal recognition. And you could not be fired for not being heterosexual whilst homophobia became an official hate crime.
Whether or not this is all thanks to Blair is another matter. Although he was the leader when all these incredible legal changes were made, he was not a dictator and I am certain that a whole team made these decisions.
Nonetheless, although I am not a Blair fan and will not now rise to arms to support him, when I look back at his impact on the LGBT world in the UK, it is clear that it was impressive and magnificent.
So through gritted teeth “I thank you Blair”.