Queen Honors Gay Actor, Activist

Openly gay actor and LGBT rights activist Ian McKellen has been awarded one of Britain's highest honors. In the Queen's New Year's honors list McKellen was named a Companion of Honor.

The order has only 65 members. It was founded by George V to recognize leaders in the arts, science and industry.

In announcing the honor the palace hailed McKellen for his work as both an actor and a human rights activist. Best known for his role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, McKellen also was a founding member of the British LGBT rights group Stonewall.

"I am honored to join an Order which includes such distinguished practitioners in the arts. It is particularly pleasing that 'equality' is included in my citation."

It is not McKellen's first royal honor.

Queen Honors Gay Actor, Activist
365Gay.com