LGBT History Month Heroes, 2 of 4

In this 4 part feature the 29 heroes – some individuals, some organisations, and some who are their own separate category – are brought together.

Quentin Crisp

Clayton Littlewood selects Quentin Crisp for Polari Magazine’s list of LGBT Heroes. For UK LGBT History Month 2012.

In this ‘bear age’ of gay male culture that we now seem to be sheltering in, it’s the individuals that choose not to follow the herd, individuals that take a different path that I find the most interesting. And no one took a more different path than St Quentin.

[rating=4]
US: 117 min • Paramount Pictures • 2009

The story of Quentin Crisp after his reloaction to New York in 1981 is ambitious and ultimately succeeds in its ambition.

It’s the heartbreaking performance from Jonathan Tucker as groundbreaking gay artist Patrick Angus that becomes the sweet focus of the movie. Taking him under his wing, Crisp uses his celebrity status to help Angus land a show. The characters make an odd couple in their age difference and varied sexuality, but they share a common love/hate affair with loneliness.

Our guest columnist this month is the incomparable David Hoyle.

David is a performance artist, actor, writer and comedian who gave birth to the legendary Divine David. David returns to London this month with a new series of uncompromising and unmissable shows.

Nowadays, it’s all too easy to take an off-the-peg identity. And, indeed, an off-the-peg physique. But musculature can be a form of armour and those of you who haven’t been to the gymnasium have bodies which are more idiosyncratically your own.