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Wow, Ellen DeGeneres Made TV History by Coming Out on Her Show 18 Years Ago Today

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She is arguably the biggest star on television, but eighteen years ago today Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out in an episode of her TV show, Ellen.

In the episode, titled, The Puppy Episode, Ellen’s onscreen persona leaned across an airport PA system and announced to the world, “I’m gay.”

It is worth remembering that this moment happened just a couple weeks after DeGeneres herself came out publicly in real life. This of course happened on the historic Time magazine cover that showcased a simple yet powerful headline, “Yep, I’m Gay,” on April 14, 1997.

Also see: We Miss Ellen – the Sitcom that is – Here are 12 Things You Didn’t Know About The Show

Ellen’s courageous decision to live openly and honestly – both on- and off-screen – is truly historic. Since then, DeGeneres has become a strong force to be reckoned with, not just within the gay community, but with a huge and seemingly ever-growing audience made up of fans of all different sexual orientations, gender identities, races, religions, and backgrounds. Of course, it is worth applauding DeGeneres for helping to pave the way for representation of gay people in entertainment and on television.

She has spoke about her personal life frequently on her hit talk show, The Ellen Show. She has shared the lasting impact of coming out, and has publicly supported and encouraged others, including Ellen Page, who came out at HRC’s first annual Time to THRIVE conference in 2014.

2 thoughts on “Wow, Ellen DeGeneres Made TV History by Coming Out on Her Show 18 Years Ago Today

  1. Pingback: First Look at Ellen DeGeneres' New Clothing Range | KitschMix

  2. Pingback: 11 Famous Lesbians Who Inspire Us Every Day | KitschMix

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