Britney is marketing herself as a "gay icon" now. I think this is a slap in the face for the gay community. Think of all of the great gay icons of the past. Bette Midler became a gay icon after singing her way out of poverty through gay bathhouses and finally to the mainstream. Judy Garland's life paralleled the bittersweet life of the gay community itself. Gay men felt a kindred spirit in her. My point is that gay icons--or any icon for that matter--are made by the community, and not by marketers. I am offended and angry that some record companies think they can create a "gay icon." This is insulting, and a slap in the face for the community, and we should be aware that this is happening, and speak up about it. Britney's marketers are assuming our ignorance in the matter, which is wrong. Be a conscientious consumer.Bozell's Entertainment Column -- 11/21/2003 -- Shameless Britney and Pink -- Media Research Center