BREAKING BARRIERS IN HISTORY

Ellen DeGeneres's coming out was not only monumental for her as a person, but it was also a monumental revelation in the television industry as well as the gay community. Ellen became the first "prime-time sitcom to feature a gay leading character" according to History.com. Additionally, DeGeneres helped break the barrier of the stigma against gay/lesbian community, paving the way for others to tell their truths as well.

A month after "The Puppy Episode" aired, Ellen DeGeneres and her partner at the time, Anne Heche, attended the premier of a Hollywood film.

[Image Courtesy of Timeline.com]

At the time of Ellen's coming out, prejudice against gay people was very prevalent in society. Writers of Ellen and ABC feared that the coming out would harm the show and Ellen herself. However, Ellen did not let this stop her. After "The Puppy Episode" aired, mixed reviews began to appear. Many individuals against the LGBTQ+ community reacted unfavorably. For example, right-wing groups tried to pull the episode. Also, Wendy's, a fast food business, refused to advertise on Ellen. Ellen also received hate mail and death threats.

A later episode following “The Puppy Episode” was attached with a parental advisory because it featured a kiss between two females, Ellen Morgan and her best friend Paige (played by Joely Fisher), which greatly angered Ellen. As detailed by CNN, "[Ellen] says an aim of her series is to let gay kids know there is nothing wrong with being gay -- a message contradicted by the advisory."

On the other hand, Ellen also had many supporters to keep her going, including her entire cast, crew, and audience during filming. Disney also wanted nothing but the best for her. Ellen revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2015 that shortly after "The Puppy Episode" aired, she received numerous letters and thank-you notes from those in the LGBTQ community, detailing their gratitude towards her for being a true inspiration. Some people, according to Ellen, were influenced against suicide due to the episode. "The Puppy Episode" later went on to win an Emmy and a Peabody award.

After Ellen's logo is simple and eye-catching, using the abbreviation "AE".

[Image Courtesy of AfterEllen.com]

In 2002, a website entitled After Ellen was established, inspired by Ellen DeGeneres coming out. Not only does this website raise awareness for the lesbian community by challenging unequal treatmemt of gay people, but it also reports on general issues in the community such as lesbian dating and sex as well as coming out. Celebrity interviews and reviews of films and TV shows are also featured on the website. After it was founded, After Ellen claims it "quickly became the largest and most comprehensive website dedicated to the representation of lesbian/bi women in popular culture."