It’s often said that professional sports are the final frontier for the LGBT community in popular culture. We’ve written about out athletes like Jason Collins and Robbie Rogers as well as allies like Ben Cohen previously, but before they stepped into the national spotlight, another professional athlete was changing the conversation in sports: David Beckham.

The beautiful Brit ushered in the era of the metrosexual in the early 2000s, expanding the definition of masculinity throughout the popular discourse. The man credited with creating and naming the concept of the metrosexual, writer Mark Simpson, called Beckham the ultimate metrosexual, describing him in a controversial piece for Slate in 2002 as, “the biggest metrosexual in Britain because he loves being looked at and because so many men and women love to look at him.”

Beckham’s well-groomed visage became the sought-after face of many fashion and fitness campaigns, earning a rabid fanbase of admirers gay and straight. Even on this site, photos of his latest campaigns would draw lots of comments about his physique. Towleroad commenters were even featured in a book about Beckham in 2009. That same year, Beckham was voted the only straight man in the top 10 male gay icons.

Not that Beckham ever minded the attention. In 2008, he told British GQ: “To have that kind of effect on so many different people around the world, I was honoured. When people talk to me about being a gay icon I think of it as a great honour.” He even famously appeared on the cover of U.K.’s gay magazine, Attitude (something he told the Times Magazine he’d do again).

It’s not all just about his buff body and bulging undie adverts. Author and journalist Chas Newkey-Burden described the effect of Beckham on sports:

“What David Beckham did was break the long silence about homosexuality in football,” Newkey-Burden told CNN in 2013. “Before Beckham came along, it was basically a taboo but he changed all that. He openly courted his gay fan base, saying he loved being a gay icon and was happy for his wife to broadcast that around. He was the first to give interviews to gay magazines — before that, no footballer would have done that.”

See some of our favorite Beckham moments (including some actual soccer), AFTER THE JUMP …

 

An early highlight of Beckham’s soccer career was an astonishing goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon in 1996. The kick was voted one of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments in a 2002 poll conducted by Channel 4 in the U.K.

 

There was a media blitz in full effect when Beckham and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria “Posh Spice” Adams, came to America for Beckham to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. The ensuing media attention included a reality series, advertising campaigns and even a documentary airing on ESPN (above).

 

Beckham announced his retirement from soccer in 2013. The video above shows him tossed in the air by his teammates after his final home game with Paris Saint-Germain.

 

In the States, it’s not uncommon for folks to be more familiar with Beckham for his work off the field, especially his modeling. He made big waves with an underwear campaign for Emporio Armani in 2007. You can see the unveiling of a large image from the campaign at Macy’s San Francisco in the video above.

 

More recently, he’s been modeling his own line of underwear for H&M. He sports some of the pieces in the short film directed by Guy Ritchie above.

Are you a David Beckham fan?

Solomon Georgio, a stand-up comedian and self-described “well-spoken ethnic homosexual,” appeared on Conan this past week and tackled everything from famine in his native Ethiopia to Disney‘s Pocahontas to why he gave up being openly gay for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP…

 

With the opening of the highly anticipated, debated, snarked at, and side-eyed 50 Shades of Grey this weekend, we thought rather than read passages from the book (which we’ve covered before), discuss the movie’s disastrous press tour, its reviews, or even what the film and book may have cribbed (if anything) from gay BDSM culture, we would take this opportunity to draw your attention to a different kind of grey: that is grey hair on gay men. 

We pulled together a list of 50 gay men who make grey look good. Young and old, covering a diverse range of backgrounds and professions, these fellas rock all shades of grey. Whether it’s just the whiskers, a dash of salt and pepper or full on silver fox, these men show the true diversity not to mention growing popularity of grey hair. Some have embraced going prematurely grey and others have gone grey well before they might ever do so naturally to make a style statement.

Get ready to fall crazy in love with these gay men sporting grey, AFTER THE JUMP…

1. Armistead Maupin, Author – Literary Grey

One of our favorite authors who has regaled us for years with Tales of the City proves that grey is not only literary but also soulful.

(Photo via Babelio)

 

2. Anderson Cooper, Journalist – “Keeping Them Honest” Grey

The ultimate silver fox, Anderson Cooper delivers hard-hitting news from far flung corners of the earth all while showing off his taut physique in a usually tight tee.

A grateful nation thanks you, Anderson.

 

3. Murray Bartlett, Actor – Looking for Beefcake Grey

Salt and pepper hair? Check. Pornstache? Check. Salt and pepper chest hair? Double check. Swoon. So much swoon. 

(instagram image luke austin-paglialonga)

 

4. Adam Lambert, Rock Star – Glam Grey

Never one to shy away from a bold look, Adam Lambert proves that grey isn’t just for the daddies. 

 

5. Mo Rocca, Humorist, Journalist, Actor – Politically Irreverent Grey

Grey doesn’t have to be stodgy and serious. Just ask Mo Rocca.

(Photo credit: Broadway World) 

 

6. Tim Gunn, Fashion Sherpa – Fashion Forward Grey

Whether it’s his charcoal grey suits or his signature grey locks, Gunn shows us all that grey is most definitely always on trend.

(Photo via The Hollywood Reporter)

 

7. Greg Louganis, Gold Medal Winning Olympic Diver – Olympic Grey

Who cares about gold when grey looks this good?

(Photo via OUT)

 

8. Colton Ford, Singer, Actor, Former Adult Film Star – Pinup Grey

He may have left his adult film ways behind him, but Ford is still every bit the pin-up. If Colton doesn’t make you want to embrace the grey we don’t know what will. Woof.

 

9. Tim Cook, CEO @ Apple – iGrey

Cook’s shade of grey is not quite “Space Grey.”

(Photo via Instagram / DailyMail)

 

10. Pedro Almodóvar, Filmmaker – Todo Sobre Grey

Because grey is sometimes on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

(Photo via Politikis)

 

11. Alan Cumming, Actor – Swings Both Ways Grey

Life is a cabaret when you’re grey.

(Photo by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair)

 

12. David Currie, Detective of the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office – Grey in Love

Currie swept us off our feet with his too cute pictures of him and hubby Aeron Woodard on their wedding day, the first day same-sex marriage became legal in Florida.

(Photos via Barbara C. Dwarte and Chicago Tribune) 

 

13. Aiden Shaw, Author, Musician, Model, Former Adult Film Star – Hyphenated and Hunky Grey

Musician-model-adult-film-star-author Shaw is the second former adult film actor on our list who seems to get better with age.

(Photo via girlxinwen)

 

14. Andy Cohen, Talk Show Host, Author – Watch What Happens Grey 

Bravo for showing salt and pepper can be a man’s best friend.

(Photo via Instagram)

 

15. Tyler Oakley, YouTube Star – Viral Grey

Proof that a touch of grey can get you millions of followers.

 

16. Marc Jacobs, Designer – Ready to Wear Grey

Because a touch of grey is sometimes fashionable.

 

17. John Amaechi, Former NBA Player – NBA Grey

A little grey goes a long way.

(Photo via Amaechi Performance)

 

18. Barney Frank, Former Congressman (D-MA) – Trailblazing Grey

Grey says what it wants when it wants to.

(Photo via Coffey Photo)

 

19. Nick Denton, Journalist, Entrepreneur, Founder of Gawker Media – Gawker Grey

Denton knows that grey means business. 

(Photo credit: Playboy / Marius Bugge)

 

20. Tyler Glenn, Rockstar – Neon Grey

There’s a fine line between bleach blond and grey as it turns out, one Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn jumps on either side of from time to time. Though he leans a little more bleach than greige, his locks are just silvery (and stunning) enough to make our list.

(Photo via ELLE)

 

21. Mark Takano, U.S. Congressman (D-CA) – Capitol Grey

Openly grey from California.

(Photo via lasplash)

 

22. David Mixner, Activist, Author – Oh Hell No! Grey

 

There is no grey area when it comes to full equality, however.

 

23. Dan Savage, Activist, Author, Journalist – “It Gets Better” Grey

Because sometimes grey is nice when it’s a little bit stranger.

 

24. Tom Bianchi, Nude Photographer – Naked Grey

An appreciation of the male form is a key ingredient in this shade of grey. Check out his work HERE. 

 

25. Richard Buckley, Editor – Tom Ford Grey

Note: piercing blue eyes plus a silver mane makes for a striking combination (see also: Anderson Cooper)

 

26. George Michael, Singer – Faith Grey 

With that salt and pepper hair, we’d let Michael be our father figure. 

 

27.George Takei, Actor, Activist – Intergalactic Grey

Remember, it’s ok to be grey. Even if it’s just around the edges. 

 

28. Victor Garber, Actor – Sophisticated Grey

He really is the personification of classic. Whether in a period piece or as a shadowy spy, he leaves us wanting more.

 

29. Dan Mathews, Senior Vice President, PETA – Animal-Friendly Grey

We’d rather he go naked. That’s how the PETA slogan goes right?

(Photo via Polari Magazine)

 

30. Sir Ian McKellen, Actor – Gandalf the Grey

All that needs to be said is that there is nothing to be said. Bow down. 

(Photo via Blastr)

 

31. Sir Derek Jacobi, Actor – Vicious Grey

We can’t mention Sir Ian without his Vicious partner-in-crime.

 

32. Tim Gill, Computer Software Entrepreneur, LGBT Rights Activist- Silicon Grey

Tech-savvy and activist-oriented. What can’t grey do for you?

(Photo via Bloomberg)

 

33. Jim McGreevey, Seminarian, Former Governor of New Jersey – Gay American Grey

Because sometimes grey comes out whether you’re ready for it or not.

 

34. John Waters, Director, Screenwriter, Actor, Comedian, Journalist, Visual artist, Art collector – Renaissance Grey

Often grey is trashy. In this case, divine.

 

35. Francisco Costa, Designer, Women’s Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection – Minimalist Grey

Nothing comes between Costa and his grey. Nothing.

(Photo via The New York Times)

 

36. Klaus Wowereit, Politician, Former Mayor of Berlin – Ich Bin Ein Grey

German daddy bear.

(Photo via SDGLN)

 

37. Rupert Everett, Actor, Writer – ‘Don’t Come Out’ Grey

Once worried that grey might ruin his acting career.

(Photo via ATRL)

 

38. Karl Lagerfeld, Designer – Uncle Grey

Grey is the new everything.

(Photo via Pret-A-Porter)

 

39. Bret Easton Ellis, Writer – Neo Noir Grey

Less than zero color.

(Photo via Jamie Lee Curtis Taete for Vice)

 

40. Jim Ferlo, Pennsylvania State Senator – Keystone Grey

Fighting to make hate crimes against LGBT people illegal in the Quaker State. Thank you, Senator.

 

41. André Leon Talley – In Vogue Grey

Your eyes won’t be starving for beauty when Talley and his grey coif enter a room.

(Photo: The Coveteur/Trunk Archive)

 

42. Leslie Jordan, Actor, Playwright – Pink Carpet Grey

Well, well, well. If it isn’t Beverly Leslie.

 

43. Pat Patterson, Former Professional Wrestler –  Ready to Rumble Grey

Grey will lay the smackdown on you if you’re not careful. 

(Photo via Instinct)

 

44. Terrence McNally, Playwright – Stage Grey

Still got the grey.

(Photo via The New York Times)

 

45. Larry Kramer, Writer, Activist – Survivor Grey

Grey ACTS UP.

(Photo via Esquire)

 

46. David Hockney, Painter – Artistic Grey

Pop art is so grey.

(Photo via The Guardian)

 

47. Ryan Murphy, Writer, Producer, Director – Power Grey

Grey is a triple threat.

(Photo via iDominick/Wikimedia Commons)

 

48. Jim Kolbe, Former Congressman (R-AZ) – Republican Grey

You can find grey on either side of the aisle.

(Photo via AP)

 

49. Joel Grey, Actor – It’s Never Too Late To Come Out As Grey

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome, grey!

(Photo via Twitter)

 

50. Lee Daniels – Precious Grey

Grey has an empire.

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)