Ellen DeGeneres born in 1958, is
now one of Americas most favorite celebrities. She is a stand- up comedian,
actress, television host, writer and television producer. Since 2003 she has
had The Ellen DeGeneres Show. America knows her for her kind heart, but the gay
community recognizes her as a leader.
In 1997, Ellen
publicly announces “Yep, I’m Gay”, and was featured on TIME magazine. "I
didn't choose to be anything other than a comedian," she tells Time.
"I just happen to be gay, and I didn't feel like keeping it a secret, so I
announced it. It all turned into this whole big political thing."
Her being a major public figure, has
made a social acceptance for the gay community.
She has opened up to be herself through comedic talents. With being a
comedian "You have to be really, really tough-skinned," she tells W.
Performing at small bars and clubs, traveling across the country she shows her
humor to crowds.
Later in the year of 1997, Ellen
finds love with the actress Anne Heche. “I don’t feel like I’m gay, I just feel
like I’m in love” Heche says to Oprah. After almost 4 yearsof being together, in
2000, DeGeneres and Heche announce that they have broken up. Soon after in 2004, Ellen starts dating Portia
de Rossi. She is in love and doesn’t care who knows it, being openly gay
started changing things in America. In the year 2008, Ellen at, 50, and Portia
de Rossi, 35, get married in their L.A. home and this goes against the Californian’s
vote to ban same-sex marriage.
Ellen’s confidence and humor
establishes that she is in love, and its about time the world knows it. She
makes gay acceptance possible with her remarkable career.
Works Cited:
People Retrieved from:
Picture: US Magazine Retrieved from:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/pictures/celebrity-couples-who-dress-alike-2012222/21006
Kayla,
ReplyDeleteYou do a good job tracking Ellen's career and her highly publicized dating life since publicly announcing her sexuality. I like that you bring in her comedy background because it helps us see where her strength comes from, while also reminding us of why Ellen has been able to develop such as strong following of devoted fans---she is funny. As we've discussed recently in class regarding Alexie, comedic engagement with social struggle often provides valuable social commentary. It also allows comedians to discuss things that are important to them without creating as much controversy as people who cannot/do not utilize humor. Mentioning her risky use of her celebrity power in the 90s to advocate for gay rights by coming out--even as her character on her popular television show--is also an important element for claiming that she is a representative figure for GLBTQ rights.
If your group considers Ellen and GLBTQ rights, you'll want to talk more about the state of GLBTQ rights when Ellen came out and also how she represents the issue. Also, what does her advocacy look like? Has she done specific types of activism? Is her activism simply living openly? Does she advocate for gay rights in ways that are less direct than historical figures like Harvey Milk?
Kayla,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post because I love Ellen’s sense of humor and her ability to be blunt. I feel like she is a woman that is really proud of herself and her ways, which says a lot to stand up to society. Not just with the fact that she is so open about being gay, but the kinds of jokes she makes and the things she says to other celebrities are also very open and exactly what is on her mind. I have a sense of respect for Ellen for not trying to shape and mold herself to fit the perfect “famous” person and just being herself in every way possible. I think you made a good choice by selecting her to represent the gay marriage topic as well as representing a very independent woman.
Kayla, I think your blog of Ellen truly describes her type of character, who she is as a person. I can see that see she very much has a lot of pride and independence. I enjoy that you brought in other aspects of her life to give us a broader picture of Ellen to allow us to really know her. I would like to know some more about her role if at all in how she represents the issue, how does she go about working for the rights of other gays? I think this blog does a fine job of portraying GLBTQ rights and the life style of a gay woman of higher social status.
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