6 Men Who Weren't Afraid To Be Themselves

Grayson Perry is an esteemed contemporary artist, mostly known for his exquisite hand-painted vases. Despite his anti-establishment work raising the interest of the counter-cultural Stuckist movement, Perry was awarded the prestigious Turner Prize in 2003. Oh, and he likes to dress in women's clothing. No big deal.

And it really isn't. Perry graciously accepted his accolade whilst donning one of his now-trademark brightly coloured frocks without a care in the world. The artist community readily embraced Perry's chosen identity, but it wasn't always so easy for the Essex-born ceramist.

After realising his transvestism in his teens, Perry was soon the recipient of intolerance - from his own family. Banished from his father's house by his step-mother, the young Grayson returned to live with his mother. But he was defiant: instead of joining the army, Perry followed his interest in the arts, his eccentric nature eventually earning the equal censure of his step-father.

Perry's commitment to his true self has shaped the course of his career, and he is now one of the country's most widely respected modern artists. He was awarded a CBE in 2013.