David Bowie, an English singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, painter and actor passed away on January 10, 2016 of liver cancer. He was a pop culture phenomenon for over five decades, and was considered by critics and other musicians to be an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s.

Two days before his passing, Bowie’s final album Blackstar was released while being referred to by his manager as a “parting gift”, along with his video for Lazarus. After accumulating 51 million views in one day, Bowie’s videos have already broken the record held previously by Adele’s hit Hello which received 36 million views on its release date.

Known for more than just his music, Bowie was hugely influential to many with his ability to not only bend gender stereotypes, but to seemingly shatter them. His style of dress over the years coupled with his open and changing sexuality created an icon that many of us have been able to look to for inspiration.

When I think of David Bowie, I can’t help but see the Goblin King from Labyrinth and be reminded of the uncredited and true star of the film, that is David Bowie’s package.

As a very young gay man, this film opened a part of my soul that I wouldn’t fully realize for years to come. Of all the recent celebrity deaths this week, this one has affected me much more than I had realized.

Numerous tributes have been made in honor of the late David Bowie, quite possibly the most awe-inspiring would be the new addition of the Starman constellation to the list of 88 constellations in our galaxy. Fans and admirers can now go to Stardust for Bowie and simply click on a star of their choice within the lightning bolt shaped constellation, then add their favorite song to make the this star formation shine brighter and brighter.