Iconography, Seriously.

In a recent article on AfterElton.com, Steven Frank asks the intriguing question, "What does it take to be a gay icon today?" As an example of a contemporary contender to that revered status, Steven mentions Katherine Heigl, the Emmy winning actress from Grey's Anatomy and burgeoning movie star thanks to Knocked Up. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my Izzie Stevens, but as far as she being a gay icon, I have to say, "Uh, seriously?"

You see, to me, the term "gay icon" (like the equally misused "diva") is one that is bandied about way too cavalierly these days. In my opinion, that exalted title is one somebody (male or female, but -- let's face it -- usually the latter) has to earn. I mean really earn. "Blood, sweat and tears and all that" earned.

To be even remotely considered a gay icon, one needs to work long and hard, emphasis on the long. All due respect to Miss Heigl, but three-plus seasons on television, one hit movie and a gay BFF just doesn't cut it in my book. Get married and divorced a couple times, develop a barbiturates addiction, be unfairly snubbed at the Oscars ... then we'll talk.

I propose that we should consider gay iconography akin to sainthood ... you don't get it until you die. No, not literally die, just symbolically. Take a look at the careers of such certified gay icons as Cher, Madonna and Liza and you'll see that they have all "died" and come back, more fabulous then ever ... sometimes more then once. After all, if you want us to worship you, you got to pay the price. A little resurrection every now and then is all we're asking.

So if not an actual gay icon, what should we call the likes of Katherine and others like her? Well, since I've laid on the religious metaphors pretty thickly already, how about this: a novice gay icon. As those of you who paid attention in Catholic school all know, a "novice" is sort of a "nun in training" (earning her habit, if you will). And if Sister Nancy Katherine is a novice, you know what that makes Judy Garland: The Mother Superior. Hail, Marys!

Links via AfterElton.com and Imdb.com.