Ellen's 'Coming Out' Made Most Positive Impact on Society According to NCOD Survey

Ellen's 'Coming Out' Made Most Positive Impact on Society According to 'National Coming Out Day' Survey; Most Respondents Support Exposing Hypocritical Politicians; Colin Farrell and Hillary Top List of Those We'd Like to be Gay

10/8/2004 8:56:00 AM

To: Entertainment and Lifestyle Reporter

Contact: Jim Key of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, 323-993-7623; Web: http://www.laglc.org

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- An L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center survey of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people reveals most believe Ellen DeGeneres is the public figure who has "had the most positive impact on society's perceptions and attitudes toward lesbian and gay people," by virtue of being open and honest about her sexual orientation. The release of the survey results coincides with National Coming Out Day, celebrated on October 11, the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

An overwhelming 49 percent of the 823 respondents ranked DeGeneres first among a list of 17 public figures. Rosie O'Donnell and U.S. Representative Barney Frank tied for second with 11 percent of the vote.

"Fifteen years ago, the number one reason people sought counseling and support from the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center was to deal with issues related to 'coming out,'" said Joni Lavick, therapist and director of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Mental Health Services department. "Coming out is still difficult for many-and the Center's full shelter for homeless youth is evidence that many families are still unaccepting-but for a growing number of people, it's much easier than it was before. That's thanks, in part, to a change in society's attitudes regarding gay and lesbian people resulting from more public figures like Ellen being open and honest about their sexual orientation."

"Polls have shown that when an individual knows someone who is gay or lesbian, that person is far more likely to support equal rights for the GLBT community. Because Ellen has been so visible, and because she has such a warm, fun and caring persona, people feel like they know her," said Jim Key, chief public affairs officer of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. "When she bravely, loudly and proudly came out, I'm sure there are many people who suddenly felt like they 'knew' their first gay person."

Sexual Orientation of Public Figures

In recent months, activists, through their web logs (or Blogs), have begun campaigns to "out" closeted politicians who have supported anti-gay legislation. As a result of one such campaign, U.S. Representative Ed Shrock, a sponsor of the Federal Marriage Amendment, announced this summer that he would not run for re-election. U.S. Representative David Dreier has also been the target of an outing campaign.

The survey didn't address whether public figures should be outed, but did ask: "Should the media ask public figures (elected officials, actors, athletes, etc.), on the record, whether they are gay or lesbian?"

Most respondents, 43 percent, said "no-it's a personal matter," while 29 percent said "always-they're public figures and are asked about everything else." Slightly fewer, 21 percent, said the media should ask about the sexual orientation of public figures, but "only if the person has taken anti-gay positions." Six percent think the media should ask "only if the person is a politician who has supported anti-gay legislation." One percent declined to answer.

"The results indicate that the majority of respondents, 56 percent, believe the media should ask the sexual orientation of a politician who has supported anti-gay legislation," said Key, "either because they think that's an appropriate question for any public figure or because they think it's appropriate to expose hypocrisy."

Colin Farrell and Hillary Clinton are Favorites

The survey also asked: "Just for fun: which of the following public figures-regardless of their actual sexual orientation- would you most like to see 'come out' as gay or lesbian?" Of the athletes, actors and other public figures listed, men ranked actor Colin Farrell as their number one choice with 18 percent of the vote. The Rock was second with 14 percent, followed very closely by Brad Pitt with 13 percent.

With 23 percent of the vote, lesbians chose Hillary Rodham Clinton as their clear favorite for the woman-regardless of her actual sexual orientation- they would most like to see "come out." Condoleeza Rice was second with 19 percent.

About the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center provides a broad array of services for the GLBT community, welcoming nearly a quarter- million client visits from ethnically diverse youth and adults each year. Through its Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic, on- site pharmacy, and many other programs designed specifically for the community, the Center is home to a spectrum of free and low- cost health, mental health, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, advocacy, legal, social, cultural, and educational services, including unique programs for youth and seniors. More information is available at http://www.laglc.org.