Video: Review of the Gay Icons Exhibition at the National Portrait galley

Ten people were asked to select six individuals each, gay or otherwise, for the National Portrait Gallery's photography display entitled Gay Icons.

The event is the gallery's first portrait exhibition to celebrate the contribution of gay people and gay icons to history and culture.

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More obvious choices perhaps such as Kylie Minogue are tossed in favour of characters such as Nelson Mandela and even the former England manager Gordon Taylor. Explaining the latter in his list, Sir Elton John said "I had been a lifelong Watford fan and Graham truly made whatever dreams I had for my team come true.

"In only four seasons Graham took Watford from the fourth division to the first, and of course to the FA Cup Final in 1984.

"After going on to manage the England team, he came back to Watford in 1996 and again the team's fortunes went up - this time to the Premier League."

Also among Sir Elton's selection were fashion designer Gianni Versace, "a dear, dear friend", and John Lennon, with whom Sir Elton collaborated in 1974 on the song Whatever Gets You Thru The Night.

Bernie Taupin, Sir Elton's lyricist and writing partner since 1969, was also put forward by the singer.

Sir Elton said: "Bernie is no mere 'collaborator'... he is without doubt an icon for me."

Lord Alli, Lord Smith, Sir Ian McKellen, Billie Jean King, Sandi Toksvig, Sarah Waters, Alan Hollinghurst, Jackie Kay and chief executive of Stonewall Ben Summerskill were the other selectors.

See Video: Review of the Gay Icons Exhibition at the National Portrait ... Telegraph.co.uk