(h/t JMG)
Celebs respond to repeal of DOMA
HBO Documentary – “The Out List”
High profile members of the LGBTQ community reveal their struggles and triumphs of being “out” in America.
Features Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, iconic drag queen Lady Bunny, former Log Cabin Republican executive director and Iraq veteran R. Clarke Cooper, former NFL football player Wade Davis, Ellen Degeneres, ballroom performer Twiggy Pucci Garcon, Neil Patrick Harris, longtime activist Larry Kramer, transgender activist and People magazine editor Janet Mock, Cynthia Nixon, Suze Orman, NYC City Council Speaker and mayoral candidate Christine Quinn, Jake Shears, Wanda Sykes, Dallas County sheriff Lupe Valdez, and Muslim educator Wazina Zondon.
Premieres Thursday, June 27 at 9:30PM on HBO.
For more information on HBO Documentary Films, click here.
Sixteen years ago today: Ellen DeGeneres comes out
Sixteen years ago today, Ellen DeGeneres became even more famous than her comedy as she became one of the highest profile Hollywood personalities to come out.
In the 1980s she was the first female comedian to be asked to join Johnny Carson on the couch of The Tonight Show.
Her sitcom “Ellen” was a huge success up to April 30, 1997 when both she and her character publicly came out. Although the show was renewed for one more season, “parental advisory” warnings were aired before each episode.
She didn’t work for almost three years, but then the country began to slowing “evolve” on the issue of acceptance of gays.
The turning point for her reemergence can probably be credited to her very successful hosting gig for the 2001 Primetime Emmy Awards. “What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?” she asked during the show. Upbeat and funny, she received rave reviews and found a new fanbase.
And with 2003 giving her the twin showcases of both “Finding Nemo” and her self-titled talk show, Ellen found that the courage to be yourself can lead to happiness.
Let’s hear it for Ellen!
The Ellen DeGeneres Show renewed through 2017
Deadline is reporting that TV audiences will be guaranteed four more years of ELLEN:
“‘Ellen’ is ‘the crown jewel’ of the NBC Owned Television Stations’ daytime lineup. In fact, ‘Ellen’ is the top choice for women 25-54 in her time period in seven of our markets, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, this season,” said Staab. “We are proud and thrilled to extend our relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, all the great people working on her show and our friends at Warner Bros.”
“‘Ellen’ is having its best season ever during the tenth anniversary of the show. It is a testament to Ellen’s brilliance as a talent and our extraordinary production team,” said Hilary Estey McLoughlin, President, Telepictures Productions. “We are so proud of the show and grateful for all the support and partnership of NBC and all of our stations. We look forward to collaborating with them to build ‘Ellen’ to even greater success in the years ahead.”
Tied for #1 with Dr. Phil, The Ellen DeGeneres Show has seen a 13% increase over last year’s numbers.
Ellen Degeneres “files” her own brief with the Supreme Court
“I’ve never filed a brief to the Supreme Court, so I thought I would post mine here. I’m sure someone will tweet it to them. Portia and I have been married for 4 years and they have been the happiest of my life. And in those 4 years, I don’t think we hurt anyone else’s marriage. I asked all of my neighbors and they say they’re fine. But even though Portia and I got married in the short period of time when it was legal in California, there are 1,138 federal rights for married couples that we don’t have, including some that protect married people from losing their homes, or their savings or custody of their children.
“The truth is, Portia and I aren’t as different from you as you might think. We’re just trying to find happiness in the bodies and minds we were given, like everyone else. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, ‘We’re here, we’re queer, get over it.’ And there’s another famous quote that says ‘A society is judged by how it treats its weakest members.’ I couldn’t agree with that more. No one’s really sure who said it first, so if anyone asks, tell them I said it.” – Ellen DeGeneres, writing on her website, “files” her own brief with SCOTUS
On Ellen: “I love Jesus but I drink a little”
From Gladys Hardy in Austin, TX
Gladys could not be funnier. And Ellen can’t keep it together. One of the best bits I’ve ever seen on the show.
Ellen searches for TV underwear model
The ELLEN Show is looking for it’s own underwear model.
Lucky for us she shows off a few of the shirtless model entries she’s received thus far. Let’s go to the videotape!
(source)
Ellen DeGeneres talks on the Boy Scouts ban on gay scouts
Minnesota Vikings Chris Kluwe on ELLEN
Marriage equality rock star Chris Kluwe (oh – he’s also punter for the Minnesota Vikings) stopped by to see Ellen DeGeneres today to talk about his letter in defense of Brendon Ayanbadejo, and why there aren’t any out players in the NFL.
Regular readers of The Randy Report know I think Chris is a great, great ally to the LGBT community. He’s a terrific writer and wordsmith; and he has the courage of his convictions to stand up for what he believes. His family must be very, very proud.
If you don’t already, follow Chris on Twitter. Smart, funny, great guy.
Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta on ELLEN
Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta appeared on ELLEN today to promote their new holiday charity CD “This Christmas.” In these clip, they talk about their charities and the experience of filming GREASE together:
