Tammy Faye became a gay icon because of her sense of fairness towards homosexuals and because of her strength and courage under personal, professional and ultimately, medical duress.

Gay men love strong and courageous women. The ultimate gay icon, as many of us know, was Judy Garland. Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Carol Channing are a few of the other woman who commanded the respect and adoration of the gay community. Tammy Faye exemplified courage and a sense of strong purpose in her life. And although she did become involved in a phony religious scam with her former husband, Jim, she decided to pick herself up, admit her faults and guilt, and build a new life for herself. At this she succeeded admirably.

I've loved Tammy Faye way back even during the PTL years. Her movie "The eyes of Tammy Faye" was an endearing view into the life of a terrific human being.