And I thought that was one experience and it was just her, and I started dating guys again, thinking, “Well, I just need to meet the right one.” Never could, really. My first gay experience was literally someone else’s idea–I was freaked out even by the thought of it. I thought, “If I were a guy I’d go out with her.” And then I thought, “Well, I don’t want to be a guy, really.” So I went, “Oh, well,” and just went on with my life. I ignored it because I didn’t really know what it was until I was 18 years old. TIME: Is being gay something you struggled with?ĭeGeneres: No. I’m going to get one of those haircuts that they all have.” I’m going to start wearing leather vests. He said, “You’re not going to go all flamboyant, are ya?” I was like, “Yeah, Dad, I’m going to completely change.
My dad said the most hilarious thing when I told him what I was going to do on the show. I mean, I don’t understand a fear of coming out to your friends and family. TIME: What was harder, this or coming out to your family?ĭeGeneres: This. Now I feel comfortable with myself, and I don’t have to be fearful about something damaging my career if it gets out, because now I’m in control of it-sort of. I did it for my own truth.ĭeGeneres: I don’t think I could have done this a long time ago, and I don’t think people would have accepted it as readily as they do now. And you know, I watched my friend Melissa come out, and she became “the lesbian rock star.” I never wanted to be “the lesbian actress.” I never wanted to be the spokesperson for the gay community. But I didn’t want to talk about it until the show was done. You’re the first person that I’ve-I mean I knew that I was going to-that was one of the things when I decided to have my character on the show come out, I knew I was going to have to come out too. TIME: So, for the record, are you yourself gay?Įllen DeGeneres: Yes. When DeGeneres sat down with TIME to talk it over, this was her take on the matter: If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered.