LGBT History Month: Ellen DeGeneres

Image Source, edited by Diana *BunnyKissd* Bukowski
Ellen Degeneres, comedienne, actress, and TV talk show host, has done much to support and promote the rights of LGBT people everywhere.  From coming out of the closet on her show, Ellen, and in real life in 1997 to the recent battle between the anti-gay One Million Moms group and JCPenney over their decision to partner with Ellen as spokesperson, Ellen and her fans have been a very vocal force in the LGBT community. 

Born on January 26, 1958 in Metairie, LA, Ellen started her show business career as a comedienne in the 80s and was first female comedian to be interview by Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.  In 1994 she starred in a new show called These Friends of Mine, which later became Ellen.  In 1997, she came out as gay, telling Time magazine, "I didn't choose to be anything other than a comedian. 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."

Ellen's career and love life has had its ups & downs like anyone's and she is now happily (and legally) married to Portia de Rossi and host of her own talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which began airing in 2003 and is still on the air today.  Last year she supported Unity Day on her show by wearing orange and talking to her viewers about bullying prevention.

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Also this month:

~ October is also National Bullying Prevention Month.

~ October 10th is Unity Day; wear orange to show your support and remind others about the importance of bullying prevention.

~ October 11th is National Coming Out Day when we celebrate coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or as an ally. See the Human Rights Campaign website for resources on coming out.

~ October 19th is Spirit Day; wear purple on this day to support LGBT youth & stand up against bullying.