10 Incredible Reasons Why Ellen Is Our Hero

“Accept who you are unless you’re a serial killer” E.D.

For most people, the name Ellen is immediately associated with one person in particular. Someone who has had a positive impact on millions of people’s lives, whether that be by making enormous charitable donations or simply by making them laugh.

Ellen Degeneres is first and foremost a great believer in spreading love and kindness to all. On top of this, she is incredibly well-renowned across a number of fields and consistently displays a talent for making the world a happier place. What a gal!

And, with her highly successful talk show ‘The Ellen Degeneres Show’ approaching its 15th anniversary this year, it seems fitting to throw some praise her way.

Here are 10 reasons why I think Ellen is freakin’ awesome:

1. She’s a pioneer for the LGBT community

With gay pride fast approaching (Last Sunday in June), it seems fitting to draw attention to one of the reasons Ellen is so well respected. In 1997 she officially ‘came out’ on Oprah and then on her sitcom of the same name, her character followed suit.

At the time, she was the only openly gay woman to play a gay roll in a television program. This showed a huge amount of bravery in a less understanding time period.

To put it into perspective, same-sex marriage wasn’t even legalized in California until 2008! She inspired a generation of women to accept who they are and be happy with themselves no matter what their sexuality. You go, girl!