The Greats | 13 Men Who Changed Everything

THEY BROKE new ground, brought down barriers and redefined sexual identity. The 13 artists and thinkers named here continue to shape the culture around us. Who will be the next James Baldwin, Francis Bacon, or Yves San Laurent? Who are today’s preeminent cultural masters — legends in their own time — men whose influence will resonate long after they’re gone? This is the first part of our list. And it’s gay.

13 | JOHN ASHBERY (Poet) 81

12 | DAVID GEFFEN (Mogul) 64

11 | PAUL TAYLOR (Choreographer) 78

10 | LARRY KRAMER (Author/Activist) 73

9 | KARL LAGERFELD (Fashion Designer) 74

8| SIR. IAN MCKELLEN (Actor) 69

7 | ELTON JOHN (Musician) 61 *Legend

6 | DAVID HOCKNEY (Artist) 71

5 | STEPHEN SONDHEIM (Composer) 78

4 | JOHN WATERS (Filmmaker) 62

3 | JASPER JOHNS (Artist) 78

2 | EDWARD ALBEE (Playwright) 80

1 | GORE VIDAL (Critic) 82

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