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In researching this article, I studied dozens of Freddie Mercury internet fan sites and discussion forums, and read through hundreds of anonymous posts. I encountered much pain, conflict, denial and struggle still out there amongst straight Queen fans still trying to come to terms with the realization that their hard rock icon was gay. But perhaps as a tribute to Mercury’s ability to overcome negative gay stereotypes, I also came across numerous supportive, moving sentiments, like the following:

“I am the straightest guy there is and I will always love my man Freddie. One day maybe people won't be so narrow minded about what somebody does sexually and whom with. I have a tattoo on my back with Freddie's name and under it 1946 - 1991. Do you know how many fights I have gotten into because somebody wanted to make the joke "why do you have a queer's name on your back?" Just wanted to share that. I will always stand up for FREDDIE!!! He was the greatest singer to ever grace a stage.”

There is also much argument (often heated) among gays on Mercury’s “outness,” or lack of. But again, numerous posts reveal Mercury’s continued appeal as this young gay fan’s post reveals: “I am the vice president of the GSA, or Gay-Straight Alliance, at my school and for Gay Awareness Month we are reading short biographies during assembly every morning. I chose Freddy Mercury.”

And perhaps most touching of all is the 1997 release Queen Rocks, a compilation of the best rock songs of the band. The CD includes the Brian May song "No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young)" written in honor of Freddie Mercury. The lyrics deal with how much his band mates miss him, and opines on what Mercury would do now if he were one of them.

Such an elegiac testimonial helps put to rest the mistaken notion that three non-gay guys would never want to be in a band (for 25 years, no less!) with a gay guy. This is particularly helpful in today’s world where more and more new gay/straight collaborations are occurring in rock.

I remember seeing Queen live in Hartford, CT, around 1977. After the concert, I somehow got myself backstage, and was hoping to catch a close-up glimpse of the band. Near the dressing rooms stood drummer Roger Taylor, guitarist Brian May and bassist John Deacon, surrounded by a crowd of autograph hounds.

Then, beyond them, I spied frontman Freddie Mercury, at his own dressing room door, greeting fans, royal receiving-line style. He was holding a huge bouquet of long-stemmed roses. To each of the young men who presented themselves to him, Mercury handed a single rosebud. I could hear his words as he lovingly handed out the flowers to his boy fans, “Here’s one for you dearie….”, “one for you sweetie…”, “thank you for coming, handsome…” “Oh, aren’t you adorable…”

It is this personable, gay image of Mercury that comes to mind whenever I think of him. Even way back then, he was just who he was, onstage or off.

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