Russian magazine releases list of celebrities forgiven for being gay

Maxim Russia released a list of ten male celebrities who it has “forgiven” for being gay because they have suceeded in gaining “respect”.

The article says:

“We, men, do not consider men who love men to be men. This is the rule. But there are exceptions. There are gays who have earned our respect and the right to remain real men in our eyes.”

Ian McKellen earned top place on this list due to the popularity of his roles as Gandalf and Magneto.

Stephen Fry placed second and is described as “the living embodiment of the idea that one can be openly gay and a sensible person at the same time.”

Freddie Mercury makes the list for his “bravery when fighting AIDs”.

Actor Neil Patrick Harris also made it onto the exclusive list. The article stated:

The list received a negative reaction from Maxim’s US counterpart.

“We are deeply disturbed by the article in Maxim Russia and fully condemn it. It is entirely against the views of US Maxim,” a spokesperson said.

However Russian Maxim’s editor stands by its list. He said to Buzzfeed: “our position is clearly formulated in the introduction to the article.”