CNN’s Anderson Cooper to Marry Gay Boyfriend? Adopt a Child?

We’ve all heard the rumors.

We didn’t want to believe them...

But it turns out that CNN journalist and host Anderson Cooper may be ready to marry his gay boyfriend.

Copper has hinted about his homosexuality but has never really come out and addressed it directly, although he has appeared in “Out” and “The Advocate” Magazines.

Over the last several years Cooper has been linked with gay club owner Benjamin Maisini, and is frequently seen out in public riding bikes and shopping around New York. The two own an old renovated Fire House on Long Island - fire pole included.

Anderson, 44, is the son of wealthy Gloria Vanderbilt but has always wanted to make a go in television on his own merits – and not those of his rich parents.

But the National Inquirer is reporting that mama Gloria has all but outed the couple saying,

“Anderson and Ben are in love, but they were on the verge of breaking up. Between Anderson’s dangerous work assignments and Ben’s crazy hours at the club, the guys reached an impasse.”

They also say that Gloria worked hard to bring the two back together after they almost broke up. She says all she want’s is for Anderson to be happy and settle down with Ben and adopt a child.

When asked his sexuality in an interview Cooper responded,

"I understand why people might be interested. But I just don’t talk about my personal life. It’s a decision I made a long time ago, before I ever even knew anyone would be interested in my personal life. The whole thing about being a reporter is that you're supposed to be an observer and to be able to adapt with any group you’re in, and I don’t want to do anything that threatens that."

Cooper has discussed openly that he would like to adopt a child but says the lack of time and his career prevents him from doing it now.

And poor CNN - they may be in a bit of a PR crisis these days as just last week anchorman Don Lemon admitted that he was gay – not that there is anything wrong with that.

Were pretty sure CNN doesn’t want a whole lot of attention drawn to them because of their correspondents sexuality – ratings are low enough already.

Not that there is anything wrong with that…

Related: Anderson Cooper Pranked on CNN - Video

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InfoStar’s Top 10 Influential Gay Celebrities - 2011 Edition

Wow, has it already been three years since we posted our original top 10 gay Hollywood list?

There have been a few notable newcomers over the last three years so we decided to update our list for 2011. The big change this year is we combined male and female into one category.

We are not haters. We applaud and appreciate these individuals for their efforts and courage to be who they are and do what they do. We should ALL appreciate them for helping to break down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice.

Regardless of how their names got here, these folks are some of Hollywood's most famous and influential talents, and have contributed to some of the greatest works in television, movies, Broadway, internet, social media, and overall charity, advocacy, activism, and awareness.

This list is intended to highlight those celebrities that have moved beyond the social stigmas and actually HELP to break down the stereotypes and ease intolerance.

Ellen DeGeneres
Came out in real life in 1997, and at the time, her relationship with actress Anne Heche made them a hot "celebrity" lesbian couple until their split in August 2000. Ellen is now married to Portia de Rossi and they both are tireless supporters of gay rights and awareness. Ellen frequently uses her show to highlight issues dealing with gay youth and teen suicide.

Elton John
Elton has been a staunch supporter of gay rights for decades. His “Elton John Aids Foundation” has raised millions of dollars for research and education. He helped bring awareness to the HIV epidemic 20 years ago when young Ryan White died from AIDS after a blood transfusion. He married David Furnish in 2005 and their son Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John was born in December 2010 in California via a surrogate.

Chris Colfer
His role on Glee was one of the first for an openly gay actor playing a gay teenage student in a network series. Chris is proud of his sexual orientation and works hard to generate awareness for gay and lesbian rights through his charity work as well as draw attention to the bullying problem in this culture.

Jane Lynch
While her character on Glee is not portrayed as gay, in real life she is married to Dr. Lara Embry in 2010 and is an advocate for several gay and lesbian awareness groups and charities.

Neil Patrick Harris
Doogie Howser grew up to star in “How I met your mother” and is openly gay even though his character is a ladies man. Harris is married to David Burtka and they have twins via a surrogate mother. He was named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2010.

George Takei
Played Enterprise helmsman Sulu in the original 'Star Trek' television series and several "Trek" movies, came out in 2005 at the age 68. He married his gay partner, Brad Altman, in September 2008 in California. George has been an advocate for gay marriage laws throughout the country and is currently a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign "Coming out Project”.

Rosie O'Donnell
When President Bush first proposed a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in 2004, the comedian and TV host immediately flew to San Francisco and married her long-time partner Kelli Carpenter. Rosie has worked to change laws to allow gay couples to adopt children, and created “Rosie's For All Kids Foundation”. She also created the LGBT family vacation company “R Family Vacations”.

Portia de Rossi
Starred in "Ally McBeal", "Nip/Tuck" and "Arrested Development". She came out in 2005 and is now married to Ellen DeGeneres. In 2010 she wrote a book about her life and battle with depression. She is a supporter of Family Health International, Locks of Love, and The Art of Elysium.

David Hyde Pierce
Played psychiatrist Dr. Niles Crane on the sitcom Frasier and has appeared numerous times on Broadway. Came out in 2007 and admitted a relationship with longtime friend Brian Hargrove. Publicly thanked Brian for his 24 years of support during a Tony Award acceptance speech. The couple married in May 2008. Pierce has been a major supporter of “Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS” and the Doe Fund, and was vocal during California’s Proposition 8 election process.

Sir Ian McKellen
Came out publically when he was 49 while lobbying against the U.K.’s “Section 28” that would have cut off education and assistance for gay and lesbian youth. McKellen is a co-founder of “Stonewall”, a LGB rights lobby group in the United Kingdom, and is Patron of LGBT History Month, Pride London, GAY-GLOS, and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, and FFLAG.

Runners Up

Adam Lambert
Was runner up on season 8 of American idol and showed America that is was ok to be gay and flamboyant if you had the courage to be yourself. Since Idol, Lambert has gone on to be a much more successful musician and celebrity then the actual Idol winner. Can you remember the winner’s name? Can you name one of his songs?

Perez Hilton
An openly gay and flamboyant gossip blogger, TV personality, and founder of PerezHilton.com who stirred controversy during a Miss USA telecast that led to a national discussion about gay marriage. Known early on for his sometimes hurtful doodles he scrawled over pictures, and for outing celebrities, people either love him or hate him (most celebrities hate him), but the infamous blogger has forced a national dialog on many aspects of gay Hollywood.

We know there are many names that could have been on this list, but we wanted to highlight those we felt have added constructive ideas to our world and created an opportunity for national discussion on important issues.

Remember -

It’s better to be out then in, it’s better to love then to hate, it’s better to try then to do nothing, and it’s better to do something rather than stand by and watch.

Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and courage to be who you are.

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Will Smith Gay? One Hollywood Madame Says "Yes"

The new word on the street is that actor Will Smith is gay, and has used the expensive escort services of a well-known Hollywood Madame to provide him with young male prostitutes.

The un-named Madame, who is now working out of New York, says Smith was a good client for many years.

She asserts that she had to work extra-hard to convince Smith that her operation was exclusive, and that she could "guarantee discretion."

"Once I convinced him the business could be discrete, he placed his order. It was for a male prostitute. I had fourteen good-looking women working for me - and two guys. You'd be shocked at how many Hollywood celebrities request the services of the men".

Rumors that Smith is gay have been around for several years, but until more definitive proof shows up, we don't believe it. The so-called Hollywood Madame is unknown, and only anonymous quotes have been attributed to her without any substantiation.

Besides, Smith is married to hottie Jada Pinkett Smith, who we are pretty sure would not put up with such extravagant extra-curricular activity. So for now, we have to say this is just a rumor, and a bad one at that.

For his part, Will Smith is currently wrapping work on the drama "Seven Pounds", due this December. The film tells the emotional story of Ben (Will Smith), an IRS agent who is depressed and guilt-ridden about mistakes from his past. He sets out to make amends by helping seven strangers.

If you want the low-down on who is gay, and out-and-proud in Hollywood, just take a look at our Top 10 Gay Male Celebrities List For 2008.

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Ellen DeGeneres Supports Gay Marriage - Donates $100,000

First it was Brad Pitt. Then Steven Spielberg. Then others.

Now it's Ellen DeGeneres' turn to show her support for the defeat of California's proposition 8.

The original gay marriage bill passed earlier this year may be repealed - again banning gay marriage in the state.

Related: Top Ten Openly Gay Male Celebrities
Related: Top Ten Openly Gay Female Celebrities

According to the a "No on Prop. 8" spokesperson, Ellen's cash will go to fund a media advertising campaign targeted at encouraging those in California to vote NO on the ballot initiative, which looks to define marriage in the California Constitution as "A union between a man and a woman".

Ellen's ad campaign will take her public plea, which she released Tuesday on the "Ellen" web site, to television stations in California where she will try to convince people to vote down the proposition.

Ellen married her long time lesbian partner Portia de Rossi earlier this year just months after California began allowing same sex marriage. Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson have vowed to tie the knot by Christmas.

Related: Sam Ronson And Lindsay Lohan To Get Married

While the "No on Prop. 8" staff would not provide details about the dollar amount Ellen donated, a spokesman for GLAAD said she gave $100,000, the same amount as Brad Pitt who was the first Hollywood celebrity to contribute.

Related: Pitt And Spielberg Give $100,000 to Tank Prop 8

Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, also gave $100,000. Pete Wentz and the rock band "Fall Out Boy" has donated $50,000, as did T.R. Knight.
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Top 10 Openly Gay Female Hollywood Celebrities

Last week we revealed our top ten openly gay male celebrities list. The response was so overwhelming that we had to follow with our list of female gay celebrities.

Related Story: InfoStar Top Ten Openly Gay Male Hollywood Actors

With Proposition 8 floating around California there has been increased interest in gay and lesbian celebrities, and how this legislation may impact them.

Many are publicly stepping up to the plate to help support the amendment, and more are working behind the scenes.

Related Story: Spielberg Donates $100,000 To Support Gay Marriage Proposition
Related Story: Brad Pitt Gives $100K To Defeat Prop 8 Gay Marriage Repeal

We know there are others not on the list, but these were the gay and lesbian Hollywood female celebrities we felt have had the most influence in one way or another. You be the judge.


Lindsay Lohan
Her on again off again lesbian affair with DJ Samantha Ronson has climaxed with Ronson's announcement this month that she will marry her long time friend, and Lohan admitting the two are officially dating.

Cynthia Nixon
"Sex And The City" co-star, in a relationship with another woman since 2003, talked openly about her life during a press tour for the 2008 movie.

Ellen DeGeneres
Came out in real life in 1997, and at the time, DeGeneres' lesbian relationship with actress Anne Heche made them a hot "celebrity" couple until their split in August 2000. Ellen is now married to Portia de Rossi.

Portia de Rossi
Starred in "Aly McBeal", "Nip/Tuck" and "Arrested Development". Came out in 2005, now married to Ellen DeGeneres.

Amanda Bearse
Best known as the prying neighbor Marcy Rhodes in the trendy sitcom 'Married: With Children' (1986-1997). Her first significant acting job was on the daily soap opera 'All My Children' (1982-1984).

Rosie O'Donnell
When President Bush first proposed a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in 2004, the comedian and television host immediately flew to San Francisco and married her long-time gay partner. The mayor of San Francisco temporarily granted gay marriages after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that anti-same-sex sodomy laws were unconstitutional.

Suze Orman
Financial advisor, writer and author announced in February 2007 that she was gay and had a life partner. She is best known from her CNBC financial advice program.

Mary Cheney
While not a movie-making celebrity, the daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney, has been the subject of disdain from both ends of the political spectrum.

Melissa Etheridge
Grammy award-winning musician, singer and gay rights activist, who came out during the Clinton inauguration in 1993. Etheridge's gay partnership with Julie Cypher made them parents to two children: Bailey Jean, born February 1997, and Beckett, born November 1998, via a sperm donation from David Crosby of Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Fannie Flagg
The television personality was romantically linked with author Rita Mae Brown who later exposed their homosexual relationship. Brown was also once the romantic partner of tennis legend Martina Navratilova. Flagg wrote the book "Fried Green Tomatoes", which later became a hit film.

Runners Up:

Lily Tomlin
The actress and comedian's sexual orientation was an open Hollywood secret for many years. Although she has gone through periods where she refuses to talk about her private life, she sporadically speaks of her sexual orientation in a matter-of-fact, and casual way.

Chastity Bono
Gay rights, human rights activist and the daughter of Sonny Bono and Cher. She was exposed as gay by Star magazine in 1990, fourteen years after she became a household name when her parents regularly featured her on their popular television series 'The Sonny And Cher Show.'
Suspected Runner Up:

Ellen Page
After a lesbian tainted Saturday Night Live skit, and refusing to answer the big question several times, rumors began swirling that Ellen Page was gay. Although we can't confirm this, nor has Page commented publicly, many suspect the actress will someday announce her true nature.
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Spielberg Donates $100,000 To Support Gay Marriage Proposition

Steven Spielberg is the latest power player and celebrity financial donor to rush to the fight against California's November ballot initiative that would overturn the state Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have donated $100,000 to fight Proposition 8.

Also known as the Marriage Protection Act, Proposition 8 would amend the state constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. If passed, it would overturn the court decision that made the state only the second in the country to legalize gay marriage.

In a statement to reporters, Spielberg said:

"By writing discrimination into our state constitution, Proposition 8 seeks to eliminate the right of each and every citizen in our state to marry regardless of sexual orientation. Such discrimination has no place in California's constitution, or any other."

Last month, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie donated the same amount to the cause, and other celebrities have quietly donated funds behind the scenes. The Knights of Columbus, in support of the marriage ban, weighed in with a $1-million contribution in favor of Prop 8.

This amendment could have an impact on celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, who recently married her lesbian partner Portia De Rossi, and George Takei, Star Treks Sulu, who also married his long time gay boyfriend. Other openly gay celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson have announced they would like to marry by Christmas.

Related: Lindsay Lohan And Samantha Ronson To Wed By Christmas?
Related: 2008 Top 10 Openly Gay Male Hollywood Celebrities
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Drew Barrymore Caught Making Out With Gossip Girl Ed Westwick

Young "Gossip Girl" star Ed Westwick has been stirring the tabloid pot with some juicy gossip this week. Westwick was seen hanging all over Drew Barrymore around the New York City hot club scene last weekend.

Drew Barrymore, 33, and Ed Westwick, 21, were seen partying together until the early hours of the morning after leaving the Saturday Night Live after-party, says US Weekly magazine. One reporter commented, "They were definitely all over each other. It was on."

The lovebirds were seen again Tuesday night at a music concert at Webster Hall, where they proceeded to show everyone a full-blown make-out session before moving their romance to an after-party at the Bowery Electric, according to the magazine. "Drew was hanging all over Ed!"

Barrymore, known for her attraction to much younger men, has a history of being seen in public while displaying very intimate behavior. But there is one sticking point to this Drew Barrymore issue…

It's the rumor that never dies; Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick being a young, hot gay couple. It has also been reported that Crawford and Westwick were seen making out in a Los Angeles nightclub over the weekend.

According to the gay and lesbian magazine BGay, the two young actors were all over each other at a Los Angeles dance club Saturday, but the source couldn't confirm if they were just having a good time hanging out together, or if there was something more going on between them.

Rumors have been rampant for months that Westwick, and possibly Crawford, are gay.

You never know in young Hollywood. Sometimes what is good on Friday night is not as good on Saturday Night. And then again, maybe some people just like the best of both worlds.

Related Story: Top Ten Openly Gay Male Hollywood Actors

Along with his "Gossip Girl" duties, Ed Westwick will be seen next year starring in the sci-fi thriller "S. Darko", where the story picks up seven years after the first film, when little sister Samantha Darko and her best friend Corey are now eighteen and on a road trip to Los Angeles when they are plagued by bizarre visions.

Drew Barrymore is currently filming the comedy "Whip It!" due next year. Drew is both starring and directing the film about an indie-rock loving misfit who finds a way of dealing with her small-town misery after she discovers a roller derby league in nearby Austin.

Chace Crawford has just completed work on the thriller "The Haunting of Molly Hartley" due October 31, about Molly (Haley Bennett), a seventeen-year-old girl who recently moved to a new town for a fresh start after her mother's terrifying psychotic break.
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Clay Aiken Announces Publicly That He Is Gay

Clay Aiken can now be added to the ranks of the Hollywood openly gay and proud celebrities.

And just days after our annual Top Ten Openly Gay Hollywood Actors list was announced. We considered adding him as a suspected runner up, but passed.

Related Story: Top Ten Openly Gay Male Hollywood Celebrities

It is being reported that Aiken has revealed that he is gay in an upcoming cover story for People magazine scheduled to hit supermarkets on Wednesday.

"We can confirm that Clay Aiken and his son are featured on the next issue of People", is all the magazine has said publicly about the leaked magazine cover and headline that screams "Yes, I'm gay. I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things".

The 29-year-old music sensation and Broadway performer had his sexuality come under increased examination when he admitted to fathering a child with Jaymes Foster, sister of famous music producer David Foster.

Parker Foster Aiken was born Aug. 8 2008 in North Carolina, with Aiken acting as the sperm donor for the artificial insemination, writing on his blog that all families involved were "thrilled."

The multi-platinum singer recently released the CD "On My Way Here", and made his Broadway debut this spring in "Monty Python's Spamalot." He has also appeared in one episode of the medical comedy "Scrubs", and acted as producer and star on "A Clay Aiken Christmas" in 2004. Aiken first grabbed headlines on the smash hit reality series "American Idol" in 2004.
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Brad Pitt Gives $100K To Defeat Prop 8 Gay Marriage Repeal

"Burn After Reading" star Brad Pitt has donated $100K to help defeat a California ballot proposal targeted at abolishing the right to gay marriage. California recently made it possible for gay couples to wed, and the rush to the altar has been amazing.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are now married. Star Trek's George Teki has hitched the knot, and Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson have announced they will be married by the end of the year.

Related Story: Samantha Ronson Says She Will Marry Lindsay Lohan By Christmas

Brad Pitt explained in a press statement:

"No one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8".

Pitt's generous gift is the largest to date by a Hollywood celebrity for a campaign against Prop 8.

During a 2006 press interview, Pitt told reporters that he and Angelina Jolie would not marry until all couples had the same rights.

"Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able."

Brad and Angelina have grabbed their fair share of attention for the adoption of several children, and for Jolie's artificial insemination resulting in their recent twins while not being married.

The intense interest comes at a time when more and more celebrities are feeling comfortable about being gay in public. Our just released top 10 list of openly gay male celebrities has received more traffic then any story we've ever written. People feel strongly that the Government should stay out of it and allow gay couples to get married and share the same rights as everyone else.

Related Story: InfoStar Top Ten Openly Gay Male Hollywood Actors

Political strategist Chad Griffin, who is helping coordinate efforts in the entertainment industry to defeat the controversial initiative, said he is hopeful that Brad Pitt's donation will prompt others to get involved, and said that Democratic billionaire Ron Burkle has agreed to host a large fundraiser at his home in October to rally Hollywood against Proposition 8.

Brad Pitt can currently be seen in the recently released thriller "Burn After Reading", starring alongside George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton.

Related Story: Brad Pitt And George Clooney In "Burn After Reading" - Review And Movie Trailer
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Top Ten Openly Gay Male Hollywood Actors

Not everybody in Hollywood is gay, but you might be surprised to find one of your favorite celebrities on our list. Some have been forced out, while others live openly gay lifestyles.

Here is our list of top ten openly gay male celebrities, a runner up, and our honorable mentions.

Regardless of how they got here, they are some of Hollywood's most famous talents, and have contributed to some of the greatest work on television, the big screen and the Broadway stage.

Most are award winners, and all are icons in our culture, and we love them.

Seth Green
Provides the voice of Chris Griffin on Family Guy and starred in "Party Monster" with Macaulay Culkin. Also appeared in numerous "That 70's Show" episodes with Topher Grace

Sir Ian McKellan
Starred in "Lord Of The Rings" with suspected gay star Elijah Wood, "Golden Compass", "The Da Vinci Code" and "Gods And Monsters"

Stephen Fry
Currently starring in "Kingdom". Also appeared in "Valkyrie", "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "Cold Comfort Farm", and numerous Harry Potter Video Games.

Neil Patrick Harris
Currently stars on "How I Met Your Mother". Got his start as the young "Doogie Howser, M.D."

Nathan Lane
Starred in "The Birdcage", "Swing Vote", "The Producers", "Stuart Little" and "Frankie and Johnny"

Chad Allen
Played Matthew Cooper on 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,' came out in the Oct. 9, 2001 issue of The Advocate. Got his start on "Our House" and "St. Elsewhere"

John Waters
Flamboyant writer, director and producer who has appeared in "Hairspray", "Pecker", "Seed Of Chucky", "Serial Mom", and others.

John Barrowman
Currently appears on "Doctor Who". Also starred in "The Producers", "Titans" and "Torchwood"

Harvey Fierstein
The deep voiced funnyman has appeared in "Death to Smoochy", "Independence Day", "Bullets Over Broadway", "Mrs. Doubtfire" and both wrote for and acted in "Torch Song Trilogy".

Michael Jeter
Appeared in "Polar Express", "Welcome to Collinwood", "Jurassic Park III", "The Green Mile", "Patch Adams", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "Evening Shade" and "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit"

Suspected Runner Up:

Elijah Wood
While we can't say for sure that Elijah is gay, rumors have swirled for years. He has appeared in the "Lord Of The Rings" films as well as "Happy Feet", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "Deep Impact", "The Ice Storm", "North", "The Good Son", "Radio Flyer" and "Christmas On Mars"


Other Openly Gay Male Celebrities:

Pete Williams - now an NBC News correspondent, was outed while serving as the spokesman for then-Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney in President George H.W. Bush's administration.

Lance Bass - Former *NSYNC singer came out in July 2006 after his relationship with 'Amazing Race 4' winner Reichen Lemkuhl. Currently filming "Dancing With The Stars".

David Geffen - Film, music and theatrical producer and philanthropist who co-founded Dreamworks with Steven Spielberg and David Guest. Before he was openly gay he dated some high-profile celebrity actresses.

David Hyde Pierce - "Frasier" co-star, came out on national television during the 61st annual Tony Awards broadcast June 10, 2007. While accepting his award, he thanked a long list of people, including "my partner Brian," with whom Pierce intimated he had been in a relationship for 24 years.

George Takei - who played Enterprise helmsman Hikaru Sulu in the original 'Star Trek' television series and several "Trek" movies, came out in 2005 at age 68. He married his gay partner in September 2008 in California.

Bruce Vilanch - Most know him for his frequent appearances on the 2003 version of the game show 'Hollywood Squares.' But he also has a long list of writing credits, including past Academy Awards, Tony Awards, Comic Relief and other awards shows.

Did we miss anybody?

Related: Top 10 Influential Gay Celebrities - 2011 Edition

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