Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, was named by Gay Times as one of the top gay icons for the gay community of UK and he features on the cover of an electronic version of the magazine.

Blair is listed among many celebrities who have supported the gay community and its fight for equal rights, such as Boy George, Sir Ian McKellen and Barbra Streisand.

Gay Times said Blair’s position as an ambassador of gay rights was undeniable.

“An equal age of consent, the abolition of section 28, legal recognition for trans people, civil partnerships, banning employers from sacking you because of who you love and making homophobia a hate crime – they were all on Blair’s watch.”

Commenting on his “gay icon” title, Tony Blair said: “It’s something I’m very proud of. I consider it a significant part of my legacy”.

The Gay Times editor, Darren Scott, said: “Wherever you stand politically, you would be hard pushed to deny what Tony Blair and his government did for the LGBT community. He definitely helped pave the way, and for that I’m grateful.”

Tony Blair was also featured in Gay Times in March 1997, whereas in 2005 he wrote for the magazine on the occasion of the announcement of national elections.