IN THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD, icons were created. America's dreams and desires were writ large, creating a new kind of shared experience where, even amid our setbacks and defeats, anything seemed possible. Into this era of exuberance we cast the Out 100, our unashamedly subjective list of the gay men and women who moved culture -- ours and the culture at large -- over the past year. These artists, activists, athletes, and aesthetes embody triumph, daring, ingenuity, and integrity.
We are proud to bring you the exclusive first look at the 14th annual Out 100 issue, beginning with one of the year's biggest breakouts, Rachel Maddow. "My decision about whether or not to be out -- I made that decision," Maddow told us. "Since I have been essentially old enough to drive, it's been my truth."
On her new MSNBC show, where she's given Larry King a run for his money and even beaten her friend and lead-in Keith Olbermann's ratings, the onetime AIDS activist and original Air America host has combined her serious smarts -- she's a Rhodes Scholar -- with a healthy dose of old-fashioned sass.
That's why we turned to Katharine Hepburn to inspire her gorgeous portrait:
Photo: Roger Erickson
Go to Out.com to see the full first set of honorees -- and to watch behind-the-scenes footage from the photo shoots. Then come back here every day between now and our November 14 gala celebration as we reveal all 100 honorees (plus a few more surprises).
Previously > Still more Maddow love
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