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    Ian McKellen Went To Manchester Pride And Partied Like Only Ian McKellen Can

    Thou shall not pass...without a big gay hug.

    Sir Ian McKellen - Lord Of The Rings legend, gay rights activist, BFF of Sir Patrick Stewart, and potential Taylor Swift squad member - was the Grand Marshal at Manchester Pride over the Bank Holiday weekend.

    And, boy, did Sir Ian have fun, as he led some 2,500 people through the gay streets of Manchester.

    People should have curtsied/bent down on one knee as the 76-year-old passed, but we'll allow that slip in royal etiquette just this once.

    Just look at that car!

    And while Sir Ian looked chuffed to be there, it was nothing compared to the joy that those attending Pride felt when they met the actor.

    The big gay hugs were plentiful.

    Everyone wanted a piece of him.

    Seriously, how could those lovely smiles not make us all a little bit gayer?

    Here Ian is giving a flower to a baby, like the seasoned gay royalty he is.

    Of course, Ian is just one of the lads, too. Here is he is with some out and proud rugby players.

    Speaking of, Ian also hung out with newly-out rugby star Keegan Hirst.

    Best of the day! @IanMcKellen & @KeeganHirst celebrating #Pride @ManchesterPride #ManchesterPride #Love #Equality ❤️

    Ian, darling, you are a national treasure.

    And remember: