Tag Archives: Ellen Degeneres

New Study Confirms Ellen DeGeneres As Top Role Model for Millennial Women

According to a new study by Meredith Corp, marketers wanting to reach out to millennial women in their upcoming campaigns need to think about tie-ins with J.K. Rowling, Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Angelina Jolie and Ellen DeGeneres.

These women headed the list of celebrities who either best represent the values of millennial females or who are thought of as role models.

Topping that list was 57-year-old DeGeneres which is surprising considering her age against the target audience. However, it also indicated that when it comes to role models, millennial women are looking outside their own age group.

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The media company that targets women in categories like beauty, food and home, says by 2020 according to U.S. Census projections, millennial women will number 80.4 million, and according to New Strategic Press, will have a spending power of $2.5 trillion annually. They also cite a Realtor.com figure that predicts millennial woman by that year will account for two-thirds of all first-time homebuyers.

The survey offers up various data in the areas of beauty, food and home, and also presents some insights into the thought process of millennial women.

For example, 27% think weight acceptance is the most pressing issue facing women today; 25% believe it’s wage equality; 19% believe it’s domestic violence; and 10% believe it’s quality healthcare.

And 83% of millennial women say they are ready for a female president.

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When it comes to media, the survey says millennial women turn to different media for different reasons. They say print provides “tech disconnect” and “me time,” while digital satisfies their need for information and TV offers entertainment and escape.

Most millennial women rely on laptops (81%) and their smartphones (80%) for Internet access, more than any other generation, and are much less likely to use tablets or desktops. And social media is a mainstay in their lives.

Some 90% access Facebook at least once a week, 77% access YouTube, 57% access Instagram, 56% use Pinterest, 47% use Twitter and 28% use Snapchat.

In the area of beauty, 73% of millennial women say looking “beautiful/sexy” is important to them. That compares to 57% of Boomer women who say that.

A majority of millennial women (62%) consider themselves “foodies” and 79% like to experiment when cooking. While 70% say they will stick to food brands they trust, 78% will try new products if recommended by friends. Big purchase motivators also include coupons (64%) and price (63%). Millennials also turn to digital to get information on different foods.

One piece of data seems contradictory. Boomer women are more concerned with eating healthy (76% vs. 63% of millennial women), yet millennial women are more likely to look for natural/organic ingredients.

In the area of home, 75% of millennial women like to decorate and do home improvement projects; 69% like to experiment to change the look of their home; and 52% change their home décor seasonally.

Pinterest was listed as millennial women’s most influential source of impacting a home product purchase, followed by recommendations from friends and family.

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Ellen DeGeneres: My clothing Line Gives Girls the Voice I Never Had

Like most of us queer women born in a certain era, Ellen DeGeneres as a child was forced to wear dresses, pinks and a lot of “girly” things her mother made for her wear – sigh.

Talking to Mashable, Ellen said

When I was growing up I didn’t have a lot of choices, as most kids don’t. It really starts when you’re young. It starts when you’re able to express yourself…”

Enter GapKids x ED and the #heyworld campaign, which launches this week. A clothing line that Ellen hopes will allow children to express their authentic identities and empower girls to embrace what makes them different.

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In the past, Ellen says she tired to appease her parents by wearing traditional girls’ clothes out in public — from school to church — and afterward immediately changing into comfortable outfits, similar to her sartorial tastes today.

It’s really important to dress in a way that is you, and these clothes that we have designed together are very unique and very powerful and very different.”

Besides DeGeneres, other influencers such as Hilary Duff, Victoria Justice and Nikki Reed, have joined the crusade and will be hash-tagging “heyworld” on social media, for young people either seeking advice or encouragement.

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Ellen added

I’m a comedian, I’m funny some of the time, but I’m not funny all of the time. I’m definitely sad sometimes. I have my days when I’m down, and my days when the world is overwhelming and sad things happen. You should look for ways to feel better about yourself and not get down on yourself because you’re having a bad day.”

She wants people to use the hashtag campaign for this purpose, and to talk through tough times.

I want to see what people are writing, what they choose to express, and what they choose to say. I want to see if socially they are going to send us message [about] who they are, what sets them apart, what makes them unique.”

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Tricia Nichols, global lead of consumer engagement and partnerships for Gap, added

Ellen represents an American icon with a commitment to individuality. ED by Ellen is all about “being allowed to be the individual you are.”

Along with DeGeneres, Gap plans to highlight responses and inspiring stories that come from the movement — on her show, Instagram and Twitter.

Hopefully young girls are going to get empowered by this, which is my goal,”

Ellen DeGeneres Inspires Young Girls Fashion with New GapKids Range

Chat show host Ellen DeGeneres and her lifestyle brand ED has teamed with Gap to produce GapKids x ED

The 57-year-old chat show host revealed she loves working with them because of their principles and standards.

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Gap has always encouraged people to be themselves, and I love that they have the same values that I have: to be true to who you are and to wear cute pants.

I know from my own experience that nothing makes you feel better than being who you are and celebrating what makes you unique. I think if we shine a light on real girls doing incredible things, that’ll encourage other girls and boys to do incredible things, and that’ll encourage even more people to do incredible things, and eventually the world will be a more incredibler place.”

Pieces from the collection – which are modelled by a pro-Skateboarder, a young entrepreneur, a professional drummer, and a 9-year-old engineer of prosthetic hands – will feature lightning bolts to depict power and speech bubbles to represent words of encouragement.

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Also read: Ellen DeGeneres Discusses Designing Clothes In A Post-Gender World

Although the collection focuses on clothing for girls, there will also be a small assortment of apparel for boys and adults.

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Ellen said in a statement:

I think it’s important to teach boys at a young age to respect girls and their ideas. It’s like Aretha Franklin spelled, R-E-S-P-E-C-D. By the way, we have some really amazing boys clothes in the collection. We believe in equal opportunity cuteness.”

The collection will be available on gap.com and in GapKids stores worldwide in August.

Ellen DeGeneres New Luxury Lifestyle Brand ‘ED’ is Finally Launched (Video)

It’s hard to imagine, and frankly pretty unfair, that someone could be as hilarious and stylish as Ellen DeGeneres. But the comedian and everyone’s favourite talk show host just proved her fashion prowess with the launch of her new lifestyle brand, ED.

First announced last month, Ellen explained that she was inspired by fans who were copying her “very distinct way of dressing”, but struggling to find the clothing they wanted to buy.

The website offers a range of clothes and homeware goods chosen by the chat show host.

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Also read: Ellen DeGeneres Discusses Designing Clothes In A Post-Gender World

She described the line, which features bomber jackets, blazers and shorts, as not being “extremely feminine, it’s not masculine, it’s just comfortable”.

The name of the line comes from Portia de Rossi’s nickname for Ellen, and if that’s not enough to make you fall in love with it, the collection’s even better than we imagined.

Love Wins | The Internet Reacts to the US Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

In a historical move, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favour of legalising same-sex marriage in all 50 states.

The online reaction was swift and celebratory, and everyone from J.K. Rowling to President Barack Obama weighed in on the historic decision. “Love won,” wrote Ellen DeGeneres on Twitter.

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John Kerry

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Kelly Osbourne

Ricky Martin

Mary Lambert

Tyler Oakley

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Ruby Rose

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13 Women Who Dare To Challenge Gender Stereotypes in the Media

From Miley Cyrus to Ruby Rose, stars are shedding a light on a different kind of gender identity.

These women refuse to adhere to dated, oppressive standards set on gender and beauty. They are changing the game and using their fame to help level the playing field for the women of tomorrow.

1. Ruby Rose

The 29-year-old stars as inmate Stella Carlin on season 3 of the show and thanks to her performance, her gorgeous androgynous looks and her openness about her gender fluidity, the model-now-actress is making waves when it comes gender perceptions in the media.

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We’re all really breaking down the whole gender binary system. It’s like hold on, I don’t identify as this and I don’t identify as that, I’m kind of somewhere in the middle and what does that mean? And society is being more supportive than ever before.”

2. Lena Dunham

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Despite Lena Dunham being an enormously successful writer, actress, and producer, she has been the subject of harsh criticism regarding her appearance. In an interview with Gothamist , Lena explained her body ‘Zen’ philosophy:

We’re one weight one day, we’re one weight another day, and some day our body just doesn’t even exist at all! It’s just a vessel I’ve been given to move through this life. I think about my body as a tool to do the stuff I need to do, but not the be all and end all of my existence.”

3. Samira Wiley

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Samira Wiley breakout role came playing Poussey Washington in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black. Wiley’s androgynous beauty is ever present in the show. However, even though her character is always dressed in khaki slacks and a baggy sweatshirt, she does like to mix things up in real life.

Over the past few years since my own public image has increased tenfold, I have been overwhelmed to witness the profound ways that I am able to make a difference simply by living my life openly, and with love.”

4. Lea Delaria

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Actress, comedienne, jazz musician, Lea Delaria has gained media traction with her recurring character on Orange is the New Black. However, before then she was the first openly gay comic to break the late-night talk-show barrier with her appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1993.

DeLaria has performed stand-up comedy for more than 25 years and is a prominent figure in the world of LGBT comedy. She began her career billing herself as “That [expletive] Dyke,” explaining that when she walked down the street, people would yell that at her.

I think the most basic prerequisite of being a woman is that you must WANT me. if you don’t want me, then your not a woman.”

5. Gwendolyn Christie

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Christie knew that having traditional aspects of feminity (long hair, heels, make-up) stripped away would be important for her work and in terms of her own development. “I would be confronting elements of myself that I didn’t want to confront.”

6. Ellen Degeneres

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Ellen Degeneres’s career was all but lost when she came out of the closet in 1997. Now she has a successful daytime talk show and has reclaimed not only her career, but has blazed a new path for people of the LGBT community who seek careers in the entertainment industry. She is an advocate for being true to oneself, and shows how beautiful honesty can be.

7. Rebel Wilson

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Actress and comedian Rebel Wilson knows the pressure on women in Hollywood to have skinny bodies, but she doesn’t let that get to her. Instead, she focuses on what her body can do, and how to take care of it.

8. Kristen Stewart

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Kristen Stewart has made it clear time and time again that she has never been much of a girly girl. So stepping out make-up free is the norm, and just look at how well she wears androgyny, hair short and tousled, a bare face, and rolled up sleeves.

The strangest part about being famous is you don’t get to give first impressions anymore. Everyone already has an impression of you before you meet them.”

9. Ellen Page

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At the Human Right’s Campaign inaugural Time To Thrive conference, Ellen Page memorably came out as a lesbian in a speech that grabbed headlines across the country. After calling E! News out for calling her gym style that of a “massive man,” Ellen articulated the suffocating burden of sexism and stereotypes in the mainstream media flawlessly.

There are pervasive stereotypes about masculinity and femininity that define how we’re all supposed to act, dress, and speak, and they serve no one. Anyone who defies these so called norms becomes worthy of comment and scrutiny, and the LGBT community knows this all too well.”

10. Mindy Kaling

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Writer, actress, producer, and all-around-amazing entertainer Mindy Kaling set the record straight about how some people in the media address her appearance. She’s not white or rail thin, yet she’s comfortable in her own skin, and is proud of the way she looks, regardless of how it compares to mainstream standards. Now THAT is real beauty.

11. Melissa McCarthy

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Comic powerhouse Melissa McCarthy has been the subject of harsh criticism regarding her weight, but she rarely acknowledges any of it. By opting out of a discussion about her weight, she’s creating a better world for her daughters as she explains on Anderson Cooper.

I want them to be confident, strong, healthy, happy women. And I want them to define themselves by their actions…and by how they treat other people…and I know everyone else is going to get all caught up in it, but my job is to always bring it back to what do you do, and how do you live, and what do you say to other people.”

12. Laverne Cox

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Laverne Cox, an actress on the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black, is the first transgender woman of colour to play such a role on a scripted television show. She’s also an activist for the transgender community. During her interview with Katie Couric, she was asked about her genitalia. Instead of getting mad about such an invasive question, she answered with authority and grace about what is truly happening when she’s asked such things:

The preoccupation with transition and with surgery objectifies trans people and then we don’t get to really deal with the real lived experiences. The reality of trans people’s lives is that so often we’re targets of violence and discrimination disproportionately to the rest of the community.”

13. Miley Cyrus

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With the help of famous photographer Terry Richardson, Miley Cyrus set fire to the cute and innocent image of Hannah Montana back in 2013 with the iconic topless photo shoot. Since then, Cyrus has continued to test the limits. In recent months, the Grammy nominee has been vocal with her support for LGBT homeless youth and showed her disgust for the rich and powerful.

 

Uganda LGBT Activist and Out Lesbian is the New Cover for Time Magazine

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, an out lesbian and co-founder / editor of Uganda’s first LGBT publication, Bombastic, is on the cover of Time Magazine‘s European edition.

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She told Advocate Magazine she hopes the cover will not only bring awareness to the plight of LGBT Ugandans, but also help people around the world realise that LGBT people are their friends, neighbours, and family members.

It’s a great honour for me to be on the cover because it brings attention to the global LGBT struggle. Now many people will know about the struggles LGBT people go through in Africa and the world over. They will realize that the people they hate most are actually the people they love most when they get to read the article. They could be hating on their beloved family and friend without knowing they are LGBT.”

The move to feature what’s being celebrated as a monumental moment of visibility for Uganda’s harassed LGBT community.

More than ever, the world shouldn’t neglect the human rights of LGBT people, because we are here to stay — and part and parcel of the development of this world. All we need is respect, and protection from violence, and our basic inalienable human rights. Speaking out and bringing attention to the plight of LGBT people is life. I will not be silenced by anyone.”

Nabagesera became engaged in the very “controversial” issue of gay rights in Uganda when she was just 21, and has since played a leading role in the Ugandan LGBT rights movement. After being expelled from several schools, Kasha decided to study the law in Uganda.

Time magazine has history of featuring LGBT heros; here are some of the best covers

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UAE Media Try Desperately to Ignore Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi Marriage

TV-show host and comedian Ellen Degeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi took a trip to unannounced trip to Dubai over the weekend – causing a social media storm in the process. The celebrity couple apparently flew from the USA, last Friday to attend The Act Dubai in the Shangri-La Hotel on Sunday evening.


However, the media in the United Arab Emirates have been a little confused on how to address the fact that the couples are married, as being homosexual is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.

In fact, none of the UAE media mentioned the fact that the duo are married, choosing to skirt the issue entirely.

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We’ll just have to wait to see what the American chat show host Ellen DeGeneres and her friend, Scandal and Arrested Development actress Portia de Rossi, are doing in Dubai.”

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Of course, we would hope America’s favourite lesbians are also friends . . .

Gulf News

Very little is known about the pair’s visit to the city except that they were invited for dinner by the club’s management.”

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Hmmm . . . “pair” is a little different than the word “couple.”

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The comedienne was joined by actress Portia de Rossi for dinner at the Peruvian place too.”

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Interesting, another random actress joined her on her vacation - Oh wait, that’s her wife!

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Best known for hosting her daytime comedy chat show, DeGeneres was spotted with ‘Scandal’ actress Portia de Rossi on Sunday night.”

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How bizarre, Ellen was “spotted” hanging out with her own wife!

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After the show both stars happily posed for pictures with the performers, before heading back to their hotel.”

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Do you think they would have said “both stars” if it was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? Hmmm, we wonder.

However, Al Bawaba, which is based in Amman, Jordan, but has an office in Dubai got the full story. Props to them.

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The internet was ablaze yesterday, when TV host and Oscar presenter Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia di Rossi were spotted in departures at Los Angeles’ LAX.”

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Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?

Degeneres has been a pioneer for LGBT rights in the United States, coming out publicly as a lesbian in 1997 on her television sitcom. She and de Rossi were married in 2008 but have been together since 2004.

 

Ellen DeGeneres Discusses Designing Clothes In A Post-Gender World

Ellen DeGeneres Discusses Designing Clothes In A Post-Gender World

Her new lifestyle brand, ED, features all things Ellen, including a clothing collection — slouchy sweaters, soft T-shirts, sleek bomber jackets, casual blazers — made for the rest of us.

In a recent interview with refinery29, DeGeneres discussed her reasons for designing her new gender fluid brand.

I was having a hard time finding clothes that I felt comfortable in. I think dressing every day is a way of expressing yourself. You can almost see someone’s personality with what they wear. I don’t wear a lot of bright colours, because even though I’m in the public eye and on television, I’m not an extrovert. I’m a very quiet, shy person if you know me. I dress in more earth tones and more neutral colours because, it’s weird, but I don’t like to stand out. I also like to be really comfortable. And, I’ve never found women’s clothes that I felt completely comfortable in, the way they were cut. I didn’t want to wear men’s clothes, and if I did like something… I would always have to alter it to fit me.

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On how the brand started, Degeneres added

We started making my own clothes on the show and noticing that a lot of people who were coming to the show were trying to dress like me, but those clothes weren’t out there. I mean, I have a very distinct way of dressing, and clearly other people are responding to it, so that was the impetus to launch the brand. So, there’s a line that’s out there that’s not extremely feminine, it’s not masculine, it’s just comfortable.”

Degeneres, says like most of us, she struggled to find clothes that truly expressed herself

We find our own way instead of just going along with what society presents us. It’s the same with clothing. I was just wearing what I could find that was comfortable for me. I mean, if you look back at some of my styles — unfortunately, they’re all documented because I’ve been on television since the ’80s — there’s some bad style there. I think maybe Sinbad was an influence for me? That’s a joke. Also, for a time, I was closeted, so I was also highly aware of, How can I be myself and be comfortable and yet not give away the fact that I’m gay? Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, rag & bone — I loved a lot of clothes, but they weren’t exactly me. It took time for me to recognise what exactly made me comfortable.”

I don’t like extreme, feminine things. And, I don’t like masculine things, and yet I’m more drawn to men’s sweaters or the way Ryan Gosling or Brad Pitt dresses. So, I think it’s blending both of those things to be sort of non-gender-specific, just cool and classic. ’Cause I don’t think blue is for boys and pink is for girls. I don’t think that exists anymore. We’re living in a world where, you know, Bruce Jenner is a woman. We’re learning so much about gender and sexuality and fluidity, and I think that should blend and bleed into the fashion world.”

You can read the full article at refinery29

Watch | Portia de Rossi Opens up about her Eating Disorders and Struggles to Accept Her Sexuality

In the newest episode of the online docu-series It Got Better — part of the It Gets Better project to foster hope in LGBT youths — Portia de Rossi discusses how her eating disorder distracted her from addressing her sexual orientation.

I didn’t want to think about being gay. Having the eating disorder was kind of like a babysitter. It kind of allowed me to not think about who I really was.”

Talking about her childhood, the actress candidly speaks about her struggles as a young model.

I felt tremendous responsibility when I was 12 years old, and I was put on a catwalk. My modelling agents had told me to go on a diet. So I didn’t eat for 10 days before then. I’m up on this catwalk, and I’m a little kid and posing and trying to be sexy and strutting around and all the other models are making fun of my bushy eyebrows.”

The Arrested Development star goes on to describe what happened after the bullying.

When I got in the car after that event and just opened up a bag of my favourite candy and just put my whole head in it and I think, ‘Sh*t, what have I done? I just undid two weeks worth of dieting. So then I vomit. I erase the feelings with food, erase the food with vomiting, but you’re still left with the shame.”

Growing up de Rossi felt isolated and confused about her sexual orientation. She first noticed her feelings toward other girls at the age of 10. Being gay was the ultimate taboo in her family. When her mother initially discovered de Rossi’s interest in women, she encouraged her daughter to keep her romantic life private.

When de Rossi headed to the States in the 1990s to pursue her acting career, she battled anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating as she pushed down her personal feelings.

I was 82 pounds at the time, very much in the closet. They were both hand in hand. It was all the same thing: shame.”

De Rossi’s dual struggle is a common one in the LGBT community. Lesbian and bisexual teenagers are twice as likely to report binge eating at least once a month, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Instances of violence, bullying, and fear of rejection when coming out contribute to a predisposition of eating disorders in LGBT teens.

True to the form of the It Gets Better campaign, de Rossi reveals how her life changed and improved. After getting a wake-up call about her deteriorating health because of self-starvation, she began the long road to recovery.

As de Rossi learned to accept her body, she also accepted that she was gay.

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Who you are is enough. There is no us and them. There is no way to be. There is no normal.… How amazing is it to be alive and be uniquely you?”

The second season of the web series will feature such celebrities as RuPaul, Andrew Rannells, Janet Mock and Nate Berkus.

First Look at Ellen DeGeneres’ New Clothing Range

As we all, know America’s favourite funny lady Ellen DeGeneres is adding ‘designer’ to her résumé, with the launch lifestyle brand ED (pronounced “Ed,” a nod to wife Portia de Rossi’s nickname for her).

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And now we’re starting to get a peak at the new collection, which serves up cool tailored clothing and eclectic housewares inspired by DeGeneres’ own closets and homes.

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I want my line to be the answer to ‘I have nothing to wear. Guests on my show always ask me where they can get my clothes. Now I’m excited to tell them, ‘I’m wearing me!'”

A teaser site, only informational and with imagery, goes live May 18 at Edbyellen.com with sales opening in mid-June.

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The specific date is to be determined, as the full site remains under construction. Conversations are under way with a major retail partner and a deal should be in place in time for the fall selling season. In addition, a major event is being planned for New York Fashion Week, with the details still under discussion.

The whole brand is beyond what I expected. It’s my brand, but I can kind of brag about it, [because] it’s other people that made this happen and executed it.”

Reflecting DeGeneres’ personal style, the fashion focuses on classic tailoring and sharp attention to detail. Casual and chic — DeGeneres’ guiding mantra. Inherent therein: the comfort quotient.
 

It just doesn’t exist [elsewhere],” DeGeneres contended. “That’s what’s special about it. What makes a shirt different, any sweater different — it’s just all in the detail. Everything about it is casual and yet it’s chic.

This is nothing new to say, but I don’t think you should sacrifice style for comfort. That’s mainly the way I dress. I care about how I look and I care about aesthetic tremendously; I like nice things.”

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For Ellen each item must not only look good but make sense.

I’m not going to wear a dress because I just don’t feel comfortable in dresses, but if I were to wear a dress it would be that dress. Probably Kim Kardashian is not going to buy my clothes. She might — and then just shorten them….I don’t think anyone [on the team] dis- agreed with me when I said the dress was too short and it wasn’t an objectification issue. It was more practical — when you sit down. I have a lot of actresses on the show. They come out and sit down and say, ‘oh, I didn’t sit down backstage. I didn’t see how short this was going to be.’ The stylists dress them right before they come out. They come down and sit down and they can’t cross their legs. I think it’s important to be able to wear a dress and be comfortable and sit down and not worry about how you sit.”

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Sad News, Lesbian Sitcom ‘One Big Happy’ Cancelled After Just 6 Episodes

According to reports the US series – which was produced by Ellen DeGeneres and written by Liz Feldman– won’t be returning to screens after it was cancelled by producers NBC.

The comedy stared Elisha Cuthbert as a lesbian who who has made a deal with her best friend (Nick Zano) to have a baby together, and happens to get pregnant just as he meets and marries the love of his life (Kelly Brook).

The comedy is loosely based on the experience of its showrunner, and comedian Liz Feldman, and marks NBC’s latest attempt to put the spotlight on LGBT families.

Also read: Liz Feldman, Creator of ‘One Big Happy’  Was Told New NBC’s Lesbian Comedy Would “Never Make It on the Air”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKI_LyICtDI

Bosses announced they are dropping it after six episodes as it has struggled to find an audience. Not only that, but the sitcom was slammed by critics with The New York Times describing it as “an intelligence-insulting sitcom”.

The San Francisco Chronicle added: “There’s nothing funny about One Big Happy, the performances are wooden and irritating.

 

 

Ellen DeGeneres Addresses ‘Childish’ Jokes About Bruce Jenner

When Olympic gold medal winner and reality TV star, Bruce Jenner, recently came out as trans in an interview with Diane Sawyer – we knew there would be some backlash. But one key person to show their support is Ellen DeGeneres

Moments after the interview, she tweeted her support at the time, saying Jenner was a “beautiful, brave human being”.

Ellen DeGeneres is no stranger to addressing a sensitive topic in the public eye after coming out as gay in 1997, and the talk show host addressed the information, along with the reception of it, in her usual wonderful way.

It was an amazing interview, it’s very hard to reveal what you’ve been hiding. I know there’s been a lot of jokes and I think when people feel uncomfortable or they don’t understand something that’s how they deal with it, they make jokes, it’s very childish and I think those people are poo poo heads.

Even if you don’t understand it, you’ve got to admire someone who is willing to risk ridicule and tell the truth. Everyone has something that makes them feel different and like they don’t belong I hope we can all learn to co-exist and stop judging each other.”

She concluded on a simple note,

Let’s face it: the world would be a nicer place if we focused on what we had in common instead of what makes us different because we all want the same thing—we want love, we want acceptance and we want the new Apple watch. That’s all we want.

I hope we can all learn to coexist and stop judging each other, I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, less judging, more dancing.”

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

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.

OUT Power 50: Apple CEO Tim Cook Dethrons Ellen DeGeneres to be Named Most Powerful Queer Person In America

Apple CEO Tim Cook has dethroned Ellen DeGeneres in OUT’s 9th annual Power 50 list. The list, which looks at “which LGBT voices have power, how they wield it, and who it affects,” was released April 15 and contains TV personalities, politicians, activists and businesspeople.

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Similarly high on the list were Rachel Maddow (No. 3), Jane Lynch (No. 12) and Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox, who is the only transgender person on the list (coming in at No. 9).

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Also making the cut were Brittney Griner, Ellen Page and Robin Roberts.

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Click here to read more on who made this year’s list of the most powerful LGBT people in America

Bow Down, Because Amy Schumer is the Queen of Comedy

Ellen DeGeneres is usually the one cracking up her guests, but not when she in the company of Amy Schumer.

The comedian visited The Ellen Show to give what was arguably the most epic and hilarious interviews to date.

Schumer appeared on Ellen to talk sexual harassment, food, dating, and being compared to Dianna Agron. But the host was totally cool with it, because she couldn’t stop cracking up!

In the amazing clip, Schumer discussed the difference between being in your 20s and 30s, wine teeth, popcorn, Tinder, hanging out with the almost unsettlingly pretty Dianna Agron, dating scones, and UTIs.

Ellen DeGeneres Leads Daytime Emmy Nominations, But is Not the Only LGBT Women to be Nominated

The Ellen DeGeneres Show was once again was the pace-setter for nominations for the 2015 Daytime Emmy Awards. However, she was not the only LGBT women to be in contention for a Daytime Emmy.

Other female LGBT TV Personalities including Laverne Cox, Sara Gilbert, and Meredith Baxter have also been nominated.

DeGeneres’ Show looks to continues its dominance in the category of outstanding talk show/entertainment, an award the show has already won an astounding eight times.

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DeGeneres is also nominated as executive producer of the show, but not as outstanding talk show host after taking herself out of the running in that category several years ago after six wins in seven years.

Her show will compete with Live With Kelly and Michael, The Wendy Williams Show, and The Talk which earned nominations for Sara Gilbert both as an executive producer and a host.

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Nominated with Gilbert are her co-hosts Julie Chen, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood.

Missing from the nominations as a show and for its hosts was The View, which suffered this season from the departure of Rosie O’Donnell.

Transgender actress and activist Laverne Cox earned a nomination in the category of Outstanding Special Class Special for the MTV program Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word.

Out actress Meredith Baxter, best known for her role on Family Ties, was nominated as Outstanding Special Guest Performer in a drama series for her recurring role last year in The Young and the Restless.

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This year’s Daytime Emmycast is set to air April 26 on cabler Pop, originating from a soundstage on the Warner Bros. lot. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is hoping to restore some stature to the event after several years of decline. Last year’s ceremony aired only as a webcast, resulting in a slew of no-shows among winners.

For the complete list of 2015 Daytime Emmy nominations, go to emmyonline.com/daytime

Ellen DeGeneres Joins Elton John’s boycott of Dolce & Gabbana

Ellen DeGeneres has joined Elton John’s boycott of Dolce & Gabbana and says their remarks about same-sex parenting and “synthetic children” were “ignorant.”

Earlier this month, fashion icons Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana (aka Dolce & Gabbana) – who are gay themselves – made comments on their opposition to same-sex couples having children.

We oppose gay adoptions. The only family is the traditional one…. No chemical offsprings and rented uterus: life has a natural flow, there are things that should not be changed.”

They made their remarks to an Italian magazine, expressing their disapproval of “synthetic children” conceived via artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation, the only viable method of getting pregnant for both same-sex and heterosexual pairs.

Their comments enraged out singer-songwriter Elton John – who has sons Zachary and Elijah with his husband David Furnish – with Elton calling for a boycott of their luxury fashion label.

Since then several other celebrities have followed suit. Dolce and Gabbana later clarified their remarks, saying they did not mean to judge other people’s choices.

Talking with her wife Portia de Rossi to E! News at the 2015 GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday, DeGeneres said.

It’s not even worth commenting on because they’re, you know, ignorant,” 

The talk show host added she will never wear Dolce & Gabbana clothes “ever, ever again.”

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De Rossi also added

The only thing you can say is that, you know, we’re all entitled to free speech. However, I just don’t understand who they are. I don’t understand why they would want to say that.”

Zoe Saldana, who attended the 2015 GLAAD Media Awards with husband Marco Perego, with whom she shares twin sons, disagrees with the couple’s stance. She told E! News it would be “the stupidest thing” to boycott Dolce & Gabbana, adding that she is “certainly not going to be refuting when they are adopting synthetic children, however they wanted to say it.”

DeGeneres and de Rossi, who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in December, have no children and had last year debunked tabloid reports that claimed the two were trying to start a family.

Now That’s What We Call an ‘Acceptance’ Speech. Kerry Washington Rousing Speech on LGBT Rights

Standing in front of a crowd of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their allies, Scandal star Kerry Washington delivered a rousing speech on human rights, diversity in Hollywood and gender equality, bringing a star-studded crowd to its feet to applaud and cheer.

Washington took the stage to accept GLAAD’s Vanguard Award on Saturday night, an honour given to significant allies of the LGBT community, in a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Each year, the Vanguard Award goes to someone in the entertainment industry who has helped push LGBT rights forward. It’s been awarded to people like Drew Barrymore, Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Aniston.

Her speech was a fiery call for the “others” of the world to join together to “fight the good fight” and to work to end a system that leaves some people with fewer basic rights than others.

She discussed how people of colour, women, LGBT individuals, and other marginalised groups have often been pitted against one another.

“Now you would think that those of us who are kept from our full rights of citizenship would band together and fight the good fight. But history tells us that no, often we don’t. Women, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, intersex people — we have been pitted against each other and made to feel like there are limited seats at the table for those of us who fall into the category of ‘other.'”

She has a powerful, uplifting suggestion: The “others” of the world need to work together in their common goal and use the power of storytelling to create change.

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“There is so much power in storytelling, and there is enormous power in inclusive storytelling, in inclusive representation. … We must be allies, and we must be allied in this business because to be represented is to be humanized. And as long as anyone anywhere is being made to feel less human, our very definition of humanity is at stake, and we are all vulnerable.

We must see each other, all of us; and we must see ourselves, all of us. We must continue to break new ground until that is just how it is. Until we are no longer firsts and exceptions and rare and unique. In the real world, being an ‘other’ is the norm. In the real world, the only norm is uniqueness, and our media must reflect that.”

Washington’s message is powerful and personal. But above all, it’s an honest reflection on a world that treats entire groups of people — women, people of color, LGBT people — as second-class citizens, as others.

 

Liz Feldman, Creator of ‘One Big Happy’  Was Told New NBC’s Lesbian Comedy Would “Never Make It on the Air”

In a broadcast television season that has found success with diversity (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, Black-ish, Fox’s Empire), NBC brings another new family to our TV screens – One Big Happy.

The comedy stars Happy Endings’ Elisha Cuthbert as a lesbian who who has made a deal with her best friend (Nick Zano) to have a baby together, and happens to get pregnant just as he meets and marries the love of his life (Kelly Brook).

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The comedy is loosely based on the experience of its showrunner, and comedian Liz Feldman, and marks NBC’s latest attempt to put the spotlight on LGBT families.

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The idea of the show is based on my relationship with my best friend, a straight guy. We were two peas in a pod and had a plan to have a family together when he met the love of his life. What that did to me really surprised me; I was jealous and I felt really weird that I was jealous, and then I felt crazy about it. So I wrote a pilot about it. Sometimes I think the truth has a way of resonating more than any big agenda you could have.”

Liz Feldman

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Feldman said that she went to multiple networks with the initial idea, but struggled to get the show created.

To be honest, it’s hard to get a show on the air. It takes some sort of miraculous chain of events. So, sure, I think adding the fact that there’s a potentially controversial character makes it more difficult, but that’s why I am so happy to be on NBC because they are willing to take this risk.

They have always been pretty supportive and groundbreaking in that way — from the moment I pitched them the show in the room they instantly wanted to do this. I pitched this to every major network and they were the only ones who wanted to do that. I heard things like, “This is a great idea”; “We would love to work with you in some capacity”; “This show will never make it on the air.”

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Ellen Degeneres is the executive producer for the show, but her influence on Feldman runs deep.

As a writer and comedian, I can’t overstate Ellen’s influence on me. When she was authentic [and personally came out] it changed my life. It was just a silly little half-hour comedy show, but it changed my life and made me feel differently about myself. That is always something I carried with me, which I hope One Big Happy will be able to do for other people.”

Liz Feldman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKI_LyICtDI

Out Aussie Singer-Songwriter Courtney Barnett Set To Appear On ‘The Ellen Show’

Out singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett is a breath of fresh air and we’ve been listening to this songs, on a loop, for months.

So its great to hear, the out Aussie singer-songwriter has been conscripted to perform on The Ellen DeGeneres Show early next week, the same day that (oh, no big deal) Michelle Obama will be in attendance, giving Barnett arguably one of her most high-profile audiences to date.

Barnett spent a solid number of years playing in other people’s bands before she decided to go it alone a couple of years ago. She recorded a debut EP with the help of friends, and has since created buzz all over the globe – most notably with her performance at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York, which is known for unearthing breakout bands and artists.

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Barnett’s partner is Jen Cloher, a singer-songwriter, and they live together in Melbourne. They have worked together and the track Numbers is about their relationship and the age difference.

If you like fun, folky, throwback rock and roll music – something kinda retro and kinda fresh all at once – you’ll love Barnett’s sound.

 

 

Ellen DeGeneres to Present Scandal’s Kerry Washington with GLAAD Award

Scandal star Kerry Washington will be honored with the Vanguard Award, at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, and talk show host Ellen Degeneres, will be present it to her. Ellen has also received the same honor at the 9th GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, and has been nominated for 12 GLAAD Media Awards total.

Washington is big-time LGBT ally. Not, only does she work on the LGBT-inclusive show, Scandal, she has always supported LGBT equality, participating in GLAAD’s annual anti-bullying campaign, Spirit Day, by wearing purple to show her support for LGBT youth. She has also talked about the importance of stopping bullying on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Washington has also spoken out against the repression of LGBT people in Russia and Africa, and advocated for marriage equality for same-sex couples.

In 2009 Washington was also appointed by President Barrack Obama to the President’s Committee of the Arts and Humanities, and in 2014 Washington was named on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list.

“Throughout her illustrious career, Kerry Washington has consistently brought life to characters that encourage acceptance of LGBT people. Her outspoken support for equality, both her at home and abroad, has sent messages of hope and empowerment to fans all over the world, fostering dialogue that builds understanding and helps move hearts and minds.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO

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

From 1994–1998, many of us would switch on to watch the Ellen show, a TV sitcom staring the much loved Ellen DeGeneres.

Ellen played Ellen Morgan, a neurotic bookstore owner who dealt with life through comedy and extensive rambling. What made this sitcom so notable was the portrayal of the first leading character on national TV to come out and stay out as gay. We loved Ellen and we loved the show, which went on to run for 5 series.

Here are 12 Things You Didn’t Know About The Show.

1. The show was originally titled “These Friends of Mine.” After the first season, the show became Ellen, focusing more on the character of Ellen Morgan.

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2. DeGeneres earned four Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations during the show’s five years.

3. The infamous “Puppy Episode,” in which DeGeneres came out as gay both on the show and in her real life, was titled after the network reportedly suggested the storyline of Ellen getting a new puppy instead of coming out gay.

4. “The Puppy Episode” had 42 million viewers and won a Peabody Award.

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5. Degeneres would later note that when she kissed a cast member jokingly in a scene, a disclaimer was needed. When another show did the exact same scene (but with all straight actors), no disclaimer was shown.

6. During rehearsals for “The Puppy Episode,” DeGeneres couldn’t bring herself to actually say the line, “I’m gay.”

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7. During the episode with Ellen’s “lesbian supermarket” dream sequence, several celebrities made cameo appearances: KD Lang, Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, and Jenny Shimizu, to name a few.

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8. At the end of that episode there’s a sequence in which Susan (Laura Dern) leads Ellen over to Melissa Etheridge, who confirms that Ellen is gay and — after completing the necessary paperwork — awards Susan a toaster oven.

9. Sadly, Laura Dern couldn’t find work for over a year following her role on Ellen.

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10. Emma Thompson played a gay version of herself in the final season.

11. ABC canceled Ellen in 1998 after ratings declined. “I tried to incorporate educational things about what people actually go through when they’re coming out, and it wasn’t funny,” DeGeneres said. “Because it’s not funny.”

12. The bloopers were fantastic.

Oscar Talk | Neil Patrick Harris Calls Out Hollywood’s Diversity Problem

Neil Patrick Harris, made sure to open the Academy Award show with a bang, and well timed joke about Hollywood’s overwhelming diversity problem.

Well, he did say he wanted to outdo Ellen DeGeneres’ epic Oscars selfie, and he may have done that in the first 8 seconds of the show.

The audience looked on in shock as he joked:

“Welcome to the 87th Oscars. Tonight we honor Hollywood’s best and whitest — sorry, brightest.”

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The actor’s shot at the Academy should really come no surprise. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite began trending on Twitter shortly after the nominees were announced back in January, and  judging by the reaction on Twitter last night, plenty of others thought he was right to call out this year’s Academy Awards.

The rest of his opening show, involved an epic sing-a-long with Anna Kendrick and Jack Black, which was a heartfelt musical ode to Hollywood, with NPH inserting himself digitally on stage into movies like The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars and Ghost.

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Ellen’s New Show – ‘The Slaps’

Have you heard about The Slap? No, well its a new four-episode American mini-series on NBC, which stars a list critically acclaimed actors – Zachary Quinto, Melissa George, Peter Sarsgaard and Uma Thurman.

To help promot the new show Ellen DeGeneres created a little parody on the The Ellen Show. A hilarious video cutting together all of the times she has fake-slapped people in her comic sketches… and we’re not gonna lie, we thought the actual The Slap would have been a little more like this:

The actual show explores how a family deteriorates after a father is taken to court for slapping another person’s child. The series is a remake of the Australian show of the same name, and that in turn was based on a novel. The first episode aired on Feb. 12, with the second airing this week on NBC.

Portia de Rossi Laughs Off ‘Marriage Problems’ With Ellen On Good Morning America

Portia de Rossi sat down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America and addressed the rumours that she and wife Ellen are experiencing marriage problems.

Last year, the couple were forced to deny rumours of rows and fall-outs, but if you are a follower of their social media accounts then, you’d see the hollywood power couple appear to be happier than ever in their relationship.

More: The Social Media War Continues Between Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi

LGBT Ally, Colin Farrell Gets Full Support From Ellen DeGeneres As She Tweets Praise

LGBT ally, Colin Farrell was given the ultimate seal of approval from Ellen DeGeneres for his comments on same-sex marriage.

This week, Farrell was interviewed in Ireland on new Claire Byrne’s current affairs show on the subject of marriage equality and the Irish referendum.

In the slot, the Irish actor passionately spoke about the struggles his brother Eamon – who is gay and happily married – faced growing up in Ireland. He gave a compelling account of the abuse and homophobia his brother Eamon suffered

“There was great hardship that he was experiencing every day in school. He went to school under great duress. He got plenty of beatings and got called names continuously.

I remember him coming home with blood on his shirt, and he got plenty of beatings and he got just called names continuously……..so he had a very very very tough time, a lot of cruelty, like real, absolute shameful cruelty that was placed upon him.”

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In the interview, Colin went on to say he supports marriage equality “with every fibre of my being”.

Watch the follow interview here

Ellen DeGeneres Says Her New Comedy on NBC Is Not a Show About Lesbians (Even Though it Features One)

Ellen DeGeneres has a new comedy coming to NBC called One Big Family. However, her role is not in front of the camera, but behind the scene where she is the executive producing.

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The show stars Elisha Cuthbert as Lizzy, a lesbian who agrees to get pregnant and start a family with her straight male best friend Luke (Nick Zano), right before he falls in love with and marries a British girl named Prudence (Kelly Brook).

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However despite featuring a lesbian, Ellen says the goal of the show was to make people laugh, not break new ground on TV with another lesbian show.

“It just happens to be a very funny show. It happens to have a lesbian character in it. It’s not like I formed a production company and said, ‘Bring me all your lesbian scripts.’ I’m not just going to be a lesbian machine that just turns out stuff.”

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DeGeneres, who made TV history in 1997 when her character came out on the ABC comedy Ellen added:

“That’s all I wanted to do was put out really funny material [that’s] smart and thought-provoking. If this is thought-provoking and helps people open their minds a little bit and see a multiracial couple, to see a lesbian character and to see a guy who is her best friend that has a relationship, that’s a whole other story…

They’re just going to be people that you love and watch and don’t think twice about any of it being weird. It’s just friendship or family or whatever that is. I think friendship is obvious, but family is not so obvious. Family changes all the time.”

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