We Are All Gay

Ellen Degeneres- We Are All Gay


From the very funny stand up comedy act, Here and Now, Ellen Degeneres starts her show by telling her audience they are all there because they are gay. She says that aside from all of there differences, the thing that brings them all together is being gay. The crowd cracks up and she laughs too, basically making fun of society's ridiculous assumptions and ideologies.

She goes on to say that people in the audience are probably suddenly paranoid that they are gay because of her joke, and they don't want people to think they are gay for being at her show. This joke makes a humorous reference to the gay paranoia in our society. The fear many people possess that they will look gay for making certain decisions, having certain likes or hobbies, and they desperately try to avoid acting homosexual. This of course stems from the negative connotations placed on homosexuality. Being straight is seen as morally correct, and being gay is associated as a negative-a bad thing. We struggle to embrace all types of identity characteristics in our society if they are not the majority. Even if someone is straight they can still accept homosexuality and be content in the differences in our society. The diversity we possess is what gives us so many perspectives and ideas, there is no need to discriminate against homosexuals for being different.

Ellen is someone who is very comfortable in her identity, and is proud to be gay. She has suffered many criticisms during her career and almost lost her job for who she truly is. I admire her so much because she was able to rise up again and still be who she is, but find success and fame in the process. She is very funny, and she is someone that gets applauded for her self expression and talent. Amongst the gay community she is a leader, and is admired for her success and comfortability in her own skin.

Part of her success stems from her ability to make fun of the opposition of homosexuality, and even the ability to make fun of herself. She demonstrates that there is no reason to make such a big deal about homosexuality. Gay people deserve equal rights and deserve to be treated with respect-they are not less than for their sexual orientation. Her great personality and humor makes her very likable, and makes her a great face for gay rights and equality.

Watch all of Here and Now, it's absolutely hilarious!!