‘Ellen’ Needs To Be Out Of The Closet Come On Out ‘Ellen’ Could Break Down Some Social Barriers.

Ellen Degeneres’ charming, witty and socially-conscious humor is the perfect medium for introducing television’s first outwardly gay lead character in a sitcom.

It’s time to start promoting positive, responsible images of gay people on television. It’s time to stop shunning the issue and pushing it back into the closet.

We know from the show, and from Degeneres’ stand-up comedy, that she’s an intelligent, progressive woman. It’s highly unlikely that she’d allow her popular sitcom to be cheapened by tacky gay stereotypes.

Many people purposely shelter themselves from this issue, or live in geographically isolated places where they rarely meet gays and lesbians. So this sitcom is an invaluable opportunity for American viewers to gain exposure and education regarding homosexuality. Maybe they’d finally learn that not all gay men have limp wrists and not all lesbians are “bull dykes.” Maybe people would realize, also, that there’s not always a direct link between homosexuality and AIDS, another popular misconception. In this country, gay people led community awareness campaigns about safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases. Watching a TV show about a gay person will not, in any way, promote risky or irresponsible behavior. Taking risks is not about watching TV, or even about sex. It’s simply a matter of personal choice.

Not to mention the fact that homosexuality is a permanent part of life on this planet. For most gay people, engaging in same-sex relationships is as natural a part of life as the color of their skin or the fit of their clothes.

Yet fear, ignorance and unacceptance is everywhere. Struggling with sexual identity in an unsupportive and stifling environment is a leading cause of depression and suicide. Young gay people have few resources and no good role models.

Ellen the lesbian is long overdue. She’d be a positive gay role model who could dispel a plethora of misguided stereotypes.

Anyone who thinks a show based on the life of a lesbian is offensive or inappropriate could simply choose not to watch. Parents who don’t want their children exposed to gay people on TV could tell them to change the station.

Gay humans aren’t going away. So instead of hiding from humanity, let’s learn to celebrate it.

, DataTimes MEMO: For opposing view, see “Don’t saddle ‘Ellen’ with useless baggage”

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