What Ellen Coming Out Meant to Me
In April 1997, Ellen DeGeneres caused a media firestorm — and generated some intense backlash — when she came out as a lesbian and announced that the character she portrayed on her hit sitcom would be doing the same. 21 years later, I reflect on that singular moment in time, the artistry of the landmark episode, and the enduring legacy of that hour of television.
Author’s Note: About one month ago, I wrote a post about the film Love, Simon, which marked the first time a teen romance with a gay protagonist ever received a wide release. I reflected on what it would have meant to me if a film like that had been released when I was a teenager. It was cathartic to write and elicited feedback that moved me. The experience inspired me to write a series of articles about milestones in LGBT media representation that personally affected me. It felt natural to start with Ellen.
Putting The Event Into Context
Although I didn’t fully understand that I was gay until age 19, I had that dreadful feeling I was “different” much, much earlier. Growing up in a conservative, Catholic, and military community many miles away from the nearest city meant that I never met a single “out” LGBT person while I was growing up. Like many LGBT youth, I learned what “gay” was from the media. Unfortunately, in the 1990s, the “Family Values” movement was strong and LGBTs…
