Out actor Ian
McKellen has accepted an offer to serve as a host for
Oxford University's gay pride celebration, the BBC reported
Wednesday. The carnival-like event, to take place at
Oxpens Field on July 15, is expected to draw hundreds.
"I send my love
to all members of Oxford Pride, their sponsors and
supporters, of which I am proud to be one," McKellen told
the BBC. "Onlookers can be impressed by our confidence
and determination to be ourselves, and gay people, of
whatever age, can be comforted by the occasion to take
the first steps toward coming out and leaving the closet
forever behind." (The Advocate)