I'M A LOT LIKE ELLEN DEGENERES

I am a lot like Ellen DeGeneres. For starters, we are both funny ladies; I just don't have a People’s Choice Award to show for it. We both care greatly for animals, love to dance; albeit, her moves far surpass mine, oh, and we’re both gay.

Yes, I’m a lesbian. (Who won the office poll?)

The reason I have decided to come out by comparing myself to the likes of America’s favorite lesbian, is because, well, she is just that. I have never met anyone who openly expressed a dislike toward Ellen DeGeneres.

Conservatives? Love Ellen.

The devout? Love Ellen.

Homophobes? Although hypocritical, highly problematic, and their “selective acceptance” is not worth the slightest bit of praise, are somehow still cool with Ellen.

Even though I think it’s some real bullshit that I have to sugar coat something as simple as the gender I love, I am thankful for queer celebrities, artists, writers, friends, and everyday LGBTQ+ members whose visibility makes coming out just a bit easier. Personally, Ellen DeGeneres has served as a type of lesbian fairy godmother, allowing to bridge the understanding of my being and my queerness for those who may not be familiar with such.

Now, I know what you are thinking: “Does this mean you are going to cut your hair short and start wearing sweater vests?” Unfortunately "the gay agenda" fails to mention what fashions are most appropriate for lesbians. But what it does mean is that I can begin to live my life openly and without shame, [Catholic] guilt, or any other disheartening feeling projected onto my sexuality after 22+ years of hiding in a flannel filled closet. (I actually only own two flannels but, who doesn’t love a good stereotype?)

So, I guess this officially makes me “the gay cousin,” the black sheep (or rainbow sheep?) of the family, that one girl you went to high school with who is “batting for the other team,” et cetera, et cetera. And I’m okay with that. Because you know what? I’m f*cking free.

My greatest hope is that my coming out does not give birth to a giant, gay elephant in the room at family gatherings/school reunions, but instead serves as a start for conversation. Ask me about when I first knew or how I came out to my parents. Ask me how being gay has influenced my spiritual and political beliefs. Ask me who I think killed Jenny Schecter. After being silent for 22 years about something so fundamental to my existence, I am more than willing to talk about it, write about it, and express it. But for the love of Kristen Stewart, do NOT ask me how two women have sex together because you will get throat punched.

And if all else fails, maybe I can be for someone else what Ellen DeGeneres is for me; a visible gay woman.

Before you go, you should know:

I've been in a relationship for the past three and a half years with my girlfriend, Mackenzy. She makes me laugh harder, think greater, and love deeper. Loving Mackenzy has made me a better person. I hope those in my life will come to know her because she is pretty damn awesome.

Lastly, I would like to say if you are family reading this, please refrain from mentioning this to Pappy and Pat. I enjoy my visits with him and would not want to jeopardize that time because of a difference in understanding or beliefs.

Thank you for reading and allowing me to take a leap of faith.

I will leave you with a picture of third grade Olivia looking gayer than ever and being proud of her future self.

#LGBTQ #PSAIMGAY