Ian McKellen
accepts new honor

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)