Why Ellen's Coming Out Could Still Lead to Political Change

We discussed in class about Ellen coming out publicly on her television show. It was made clear that positive visibility is not the same as political change. I do not think there was any malicious intent or even that it was purposely implied, but that day in class it seemed as if what was being stated was that Ellen’s coming out would not lead to political change. I disagree.

Ellen is an extremely smart, popular, and influential woman. As an entertainer, she knows what her role in society is. Her job is to make others enjoy themselves. She knows how to make people laugh, and she does it well. Even better, she knows she does it well. Someone so self-aware probably knows what she is not so good at as well. There is a reason her coming out on the show was made so personal and not at all political. To start, she cannot influence anyone if her ratings tank and she is no longer popular. Since the television audience is heteronormative, she had to handle this situation in a way that would make people continue to like her. Additionally, just because she personally does not do much for the LGBT community politically, she is still a role model for others in that community. Many other LGBT people look up to her and are inspired by her to be themselves and not hide, and who is to say that these other people cannot or will not advocate for political change? Just because Ellen and her story do no call for political change does not mean that her coming out cannot or will not some day lead to it.