Power gays, lesbians named

NEW YORK, April 6 (UPI) -- When it comes to American gays, none wields more influence than entertainment billionaire David Geffen, says Out magazine in its first-ever rankings.

But it's not the naming of the openly gay Geffen to the pinnacle of the power pyramid in its May issue that will trigger controversy for the publication. It is selecting TV newsman Anderson Cooper No. 2 and actress Jodie Foster No. 43 -- when neither has publicly addressed their sexual orientation.

Rounding out the top five in the first-ever list of its kind are comedian Ellen DeGeneres, philanthropist Tim Gill and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the magazine said in a news release Friday.

"We expect some controversy for creating this kind of list," said Aaron Hicklin, editor in chief of Out. "But it's a mark of real progress that the vast majority of men and women who made our Power 50 have attained their positions without feeling the need to hide their sexuality."

Hicklin said the publication wanted the list to accurately reflect the "standing of the people in it."

"We took the task very seriously," said Hicklin.