When Ellen DeGeneres Came Out To The World In 1997; Revealed She ‘Never Wanted To Be The Lesbian Actress’

As an ardent admirer of Ellen DeGeneres, I have followed her journey with a mix of admiration and awe. Her courage to come out as a lesbian in 1997 was not just a bold step for herself but a beacon of hope for countless others struggling with their identities.


Ellen DeGeneres publicly announced her identity as a lesbian in 1997 during an interview for Time Magazine. When discussing this topic with media outlets, the comedian shared that she had been contemplating disclosing her sexuality for quite some time. However, she expressed apprehensions about being typecast as a “lesbian actress” within the industry.

Many viewers of the TV host were taken aback when the news broke, since they had been riveted by discussions where she announced she would portray Ellen Morgan on her own series, right before the revelation.

In retrospect, media speculations suggested that my decision to take on that role was subtly hinting at my readiness to publicly acknowledge my identity.

During the interview, DeGeneres was queried, “Just to confirm, are you openly identifying as gay?

The host of the talk show then replied, “Yes, you’re the first person I’ve revealed this to publicly. I had planned to do so when I decided to make my character on the show come out. However, I chose not to discuss it until the show was completed.

Beyond that, she emphasized, “You understand, I observed my friend Melissa Etheridge reveal her identity, and she was labeled as ‘the lesbian rock star.’ I didn’t want to be known as ‘the lesbian actress.’ I didn’t desire to serve as the voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Not at all. I did it for my personal truth.

In the course of the interview, DeGeneres disclosed that she had been holding back the news for a while because those close to her might not have easily accepted it.

At that moment, she mentioned an additional point – feeling secure is what prompted her decision to share this information with her followers.

In simpler terms, the actress from Will & Grace said, “I didn’t believe I could’ve done this earlier, and I don’t think audiences would have been as open to it as they are today.

She went on to express, “Now, I’ve grown comfortable with who I am, and I no longer need to worry that something might tarnish my professional life if revealed, as I now have the power over it – to some extent.” In essence, she conveyed, “No one can harm me now.

At present, Ellen is wedded to Portia De Rossi, and they are enjoying a contented existence together in the U.K.

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2024-11-27 19:07