Despite the fact that he had been criticised by gay activists for hiding his HIV status, author Paul Russell included Mercury in his book The Gay 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Gay Men and Lesbians, Past and Present.
Deși fusese criticat de activiștii pentru drepturile homosexualilor pentru că și-a ascuns boala, autorul Paul Russell l-a inclus pe Mercury în cartea sa The Gay 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Gay Men and Lesbians, Past and Present.