The Progressive: Ellen points the way for African-American celebrities

[marmar]

Ellen points the way for African-American celebrities
By Kimberly R. Jones, October 11, 2009


Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and I’m hoping more celebrities — especially African-American ones — will follow the example of Ellen DeGeneres.

Ellen has just become my idol. She has taken yet another step in her amazing career by becoming a judge on America’s top-rated television show.

Her ascendance on “American Idol,” as well as her popular daytime talk show, should destroy the myth, once and for all, that outing yourself to the American public will ruin your career.

In the mid-1990s, Ellen DeGeneres came out on her nationally syndicated television show “Ellen.” The controversy threatened to ruin her television and film career, but she held her ground and maintained her dignity. Since then, she has hosted the Academy Awards and the Emmys, as well as becoming the face of Cover Girl, in addition to other accomplishments.

But still many people in the entertainment industry feel that being open about their sexuality will kill their careers. This fear is especially pronounced among African-American actors and celebrities. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.progressive.org/node/137852

[ClassWarrior]

1. African American celebrities need to "come out?" Isn't the color of their skin...

...kind of a giveaway?

Ohhhh... they mean African American celebrities who... Ummmm... Ahhh... I see... Nevermind...

:evilgrin:

NGU.

[Denninmi]

2. Ellen Degeneres has been a hero of mine since 1997.

and I'm a straight guy. Coming out the way she did in 1997 was one of the bravest things and really advanced civil rights in this country. She took a big risk in doing it, and it looked like it was going to ruin her career for a few years. But, it really paved the way for others to come out, and helped to remove some of the stigma against GLBT folks.

Good for Ellen. She's had the last laugh.

It really makes me happy to see GLBT becoming "mainstream"