It takes more than a larger-

than-life person to be a true diva. It takes substance. In the novel Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, a group of corporate executives and dignitaries from around the globe are attending an intimate concert by a world-famous soprano when they are suddenly taken hostage by a group of South American revolutionaries. While all attempts at negotiations fail, the voice of an opera diva slowly transforms the terrorists, so that they actually care about the fate of their hostages. Yes, music does have the power to transform lives — or as Madonna puts it, make the people come together.

Surely gay men –— and perhaps more than a few Lea, Liza and Ella idolizing lesbians — have been profoundly moved or empowered by these women with their strong voices and even stronger sense of purpose and conviction.

Of course, there are many reasons why gay men have been drawn to divas over the years, from Judy Garland and Billie Holliday to Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Janet, Cyndi and J-Lo. Having been kicked more than their fair share by society, the words and strong public persona of the diva have helped many get through the worst of times. Decades ago, when gay men’s jobs, family relations and lives would be put on the line should they choose to live an honest and open life, one could always go down to a dark theatre and find solace in a bitchy cat fight between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis — or listen to Cher sing about the plight of being a “Half Breed,” and know there was someone else who felt their pain and perhaps empathized with their loneliness, as when Cher discoed her way through “Take Me Home” with her head held high.

This week’s cover story looks at our community’s fascination and adoration of the “Diva” — a sort of all-encompassing term that has taken on many shades of meaning throughout the years, but which was first and foremost a word used to describe the goddesses of Greek and Roman mythology. Judy, Joan and Bette have all become the goddesses of gay mythology over the years, while the current reigning divas are more like guardian angels for our community.

Over the past few decades, many of our beloved divas have stood tall with us in the fight against AIDS and homophobia. Elizabeth Taylor turned the loss of lifelong friend Rock Hudson into the strongest celebrity crusade against AIDS in history. Singers such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand and others have not only supported our community in word, but also in deed.

Madonna sang about the loss of a dear friend to AIDS in the song “In This Life” on her Erotica album, gave proceeds from the single “Vogue” to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis and donated four VIP tickets to see her Drowned World Tour to raise more that $20,000 for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFar). Janet debunked homophobia with the pan-sexual song “Free Xone” on her Velvet Rope album, while her upbeat single “Together Again” raised money for HIV and AIDS. And no one who saw Cyndi Lauper open for Cher on her farewell tour will ever forget her preaching on stage to a diverse audience about the mission of PFLAG while wrapped in a Rainbow Flag.

Still, for all the time and energy we spend elevating these women to the stature of goddesses, are we not forgetting the people in our own backyards, those whose selfless and, we think, diva-worthy deeds go unnoticed on a daily basis?

Next time you’re telling a friend that you scored tickets for Cher’s extended farewell tour or that you saw Madonna’s new “Hollywood” video, why not also take a moment to talk up the wonderful volunteers delivering meals to people with AIDS at Special Delivery or Mama’s Kitchen? Why not write a fan letter to the person who, living on only a crumb of a diva’s yearly income, manages to take out their checkbook and donate to GLBT organizations helping to sustain our community and gain advances in our fight for equality? Why not fall to the ground and proclaim, “We’re not worthy” to volunteers conducting the flow of traffic at this year’s Pride parade, working in the hot sun while everyone else enjoys a safe and festive Pride (it’s only a suggestion; don’t get yourself run over by a float-full of screaming drag queens in the process).

If anyone knows or has what it takes to be a diva, it’s a gay man (or a lesbian, when they feel like it). We can be as sassy, campy, bitchy and fabulous as any of these women. But in order to be a true diva, you’ve got to follow in their steps in deed as well. Next time you’re about to buy Madonna’s umpteenth dance remix, think about donating that money to a worthy cause instead. Or if you are planning your weekend around Cher’s big concert, include some time to deliver meals for AIDS patients, because then, and only then, will you be truly fab-u-lous.