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Lez Dish It Out! AfterEllen’s LGBT Weekly Round-Up

Photo: Viceland, Huffington Post, V Magazine, Sony Pictures

Salutations, lady lovers! This week was an automatic win thanks to Lesbian Visibility Day on April 26, an event AE writer Lily Khuu discussed HERE.

As for my own visibility, you know you’re a lesbian writing about lesbian news when:

Photo: Gmail

Moving on! This week Ellen Page released previews for Gaycation’s United We Stand, Cara Delevingne went bald for a movie role, and Ellen DeGeneres celebrated the TWENTIETH anniversary of her coming out episode! Lez get to it!

Gif: Imgur

Congrats, Ellen!!!

Photo: ABC

Wow. Can you believe it has been twenty years since Ellen came out on TV? It’s truly humbling to witness how far we’ve come since the lesbian icon’s bold and historic move. While researching this special anniversary, I learned so many new things about Ellen‘s “Puppy Episode”, which first aired on April 30th, 1997. For instance, I didn’t know the “Puppy” title was partly inspired by an ABC exec’s suggestion that DeGeneres’ TV persona should get a dog rather than a relationship. Ahead of this monumental occasion, fans like me are learning more and more about the minor notes that led to this crescendo for gay women across the country.

Obviously, Ellen is going ALL OUT in honor of the anniversary. To mark the special day, the comedienne is bringing back all the major players of the episode like Oprah Winfrey, Laura Dern, Joely Fisher, Clea Lewis and David Anthony Higgins. This will be the first cast reunion since the show ended its run in 1998.

Photo: NBC

As you may recall, Winfrey played DeGeneres’ therapist while Dern (Susan) took on the role of her love interest. The two were pivotal in Ellen’s coming out story, so you can expect some emotional quotes from them. It’s interesting because I had no idea Dern and Winfrey received a ton of backlash for participating in the episode — I naively thought the vitriol was solely directed at Ellen.

Check out a preview clip of the monumental anniversary and some poignant quotes from Ellen below:

On why E.D. decided to come out so publicly:

“I was doing just fine. The show was a success, my career was a success, and there was no real reason for me to do it other than I did some work on myself, some deep soul-searching, and realized I was really carrying around a lot of shame … No matter how many times I tried to rationalize that I didn’t need anyone to know, I knew that it was a secret. And I knew that there was a possibility that people would hate me for the simple fact that no matter how much they loved my comedy or my show, but they might hate me if they knew I was gay. It became more important to me than my career. I suddenly said, “Why am I being, you know, ashamed of who I am just to be successful and famous in society’s eyes?” … And then I thought, the character on the show is clearly struggling. There’s no relationship. It was pretty clear it would be an easy transition for her to realize she was gay, which was why her relationships with men weren’t working out.”
On the backlash:
“I knew I was risking hurting my career … But to know that Laura Dern was punished for it just because she played my love interest in that show is crazy. I mean, she’s a brilliant actress, she’s heterosexual, and yet she was punished. And Oprah [Winfrey] got hate mail just for being a part of it. Obviously, that’s why a lot of people don’t come out, because there’s a very loud and clear message … that a lot of people don’t understand it [being gay], and because they don’t understand it, they fear, and because they fear it, they hate it. But I had no idea the amount of hate. I had no idea that there would be death threats or a bomb scare. It was a really scary time.”
P.S. Travel back to 1997 with a clip from the “Puppy” episode and enjoy this flashback to Ellen’s Time Magazine cover:

Photo: Time Magazine

P.S. Check out AE’s article on the years following the pivotal episode HERE.

And HERE is an ET Canada article with our Editor in Chief’s commentary.

Cara Delevingne Graces The Cover Of V Magazine Amid A Few Controversies

Cara is currently on the press circuit for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (July 21) and she recently chatted to V Magazine about landing the role.

On her audition:

“I had to prove myself, but not in a typical audition setting. Luc would say stuff like, ‘Make up a story in your head and describe it to me using no real words, just physicality and random sounds you make up.’ Or, ‘Think of an animal and act it out and I have to guess what animal it is.'”
On doing her own stunts:
“When I hear that there’s an option that I can do it instead of a stunt person, I’m always like, ‘Please let me do it! Throw me off the building, I like that!'”
Check out some photos from the spread below:

Photo: V Magazine

Photo: V Magazine

Shortly after the magazine pics were released, Ms. Delevingne decided to shave her head! The drastic change is for her role in Life In A Year, an emotional film about 17-year-old who finds out his girlfriend has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has only one year left to live.

Now on to the controversies…

On April 24, Demi Lovato took to Snapchat to show off her new lion tattoo. While this might not seem like a big deal at all, Cara’s dedicated fans called out Ms. Lovato for allegedly copying the model’s own lion tattoo. Sigh.

The evidence:

Photo: Snapchat

Photo: Instagram

Despite all the racket, Cara shut down #TATTOOGATE on Twitter:

Photo: Twitter

But wait! That’s not the only controversy the 24-year-old faced this week. Some zealous fans recently discovered the Suicide Squad movie likely photoshopped Delevingne’s body to make it appear thinner in the final edit. While you’re probably wondering why anyone in their right mind would do this, here’s the photo evidence giving credence to the theory:

Uhh… yikes.

In a not-so-vague response to the drama, Cara tweeted out damning Kendrick Lamar lyrics about photoshop:

Sick and tired, indeed.

Amber Heard & Elon Musk’s Relationship Is Instagram Official

Photo: Instagram

Well, that escalated quickly.

Following rumors that Amber was ready to marry Elon Musk, the bisexual actress finally confirmed their relationship on Instagram (pictured above). Yes, the two had never confirmed their relationship despite the fact that they’re supposedly in the midst of wedding planning.

Shortly after the pic posted, the couple were spotted ziplining in Australia, where Heard just so happens to be filming Aquaman.

Love life aside, Ms. Heard celebrated her 31st birthday on April 22. By the looks of it, the Texas native scored an awesome cake for the occasion:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTLcT7AlXmI/?taken-by=amberheard&hl=en

Feeling all the cake envy right now.

Ellen Page Releases Teasers For United We Stand

Photo: Instagram

Mark April 30 on your calendars — Gaycation is back with a special called United We Stand. The piece will examine what Donald Trump’s presidency means for the LGBTQ community and will focus on the Women’s March in DC. As fans of Page already know, political activism and speaking out against the Trump administration is a major part of her life. It only makes sense that the lesbian actress and her collaborator Ian Daniel decided to craft a response to the 2016 election.

Check out the trailer and clips for the special below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTWbV3ahZwv/?taken-by=ellenpage&hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTZJgaSBfnC/?taken-by=ellenpage&hl=en

Tune in to Viceland at 10 p.m. for the full episode.

Portia de Rossi Talks Scandal

Gif: GIPHY

*SPOILER ALERT AHEAD*

As many Scandal fans probably already know, Portia’s character (Elizabeth North) is no more. I would have included her shocking demise in last week’s roundup, but the episode aired a little too late for me to include it.

Considering de Rossi seemed to really love her role on Scandal, many didn’t see this coming. So, what gives?

The lesbian star explained:

“It was my decision but not because I no longer wanted to be part of the show. It was more because I found a great business opportunity I wanted to pursue that was taking my interest away from acting and a career I’ve had for 20-plus years and putting it elsewhere that was very timing consuming. I approached Shonda and asked if it would be OK if I could leave Scandal. She was nothing but supportive and wished me luck in my business venture and was gracious and lovely about it.”
What’s the business?
“It’s a little premature to talk about at this point but it’s along the lines of my earlier passion for art and to get art into the hands of anybody who wishes to own it. It’s what I wanted to do with my career a long time ago and then I fell into acting. Now I really have returned to the idea of having a business and being a business owner and having my love of art being incorporated into my business venture. There is technology that enables more people to enjoy art rather than a very privileged few. This business concept is to democratize art and get it into the hands of the people who appreciate it and want to own it.”
On if she’ll act again:
“That doesn’t mean that I’ll never act again but for right now I want to concentrate on this full time. In the future, you never know – Shonda might figure out a way to resurrect Elizabeth from the dead or perhaps maybe I’ll do something acting-wise in the future.”
Shonda also released a statement on Portia’s exit:
“I have been a fan of Portia’s for years and it was an honor to have her join our Scandal family. Portia infused Liz North with a smart, powerful and vulnerable soul while also making the humor sing – and that brought all of us in the writers’ room a lot of joy. If I could keep her forever, I would – but kidnapping is illegal. Besides, I am incredibly impressed with the vision she has for her creative future. I wish her all the best.”
I’ll keep you updated on the actress’ new business as soon as she releases more info.

Jodie Foster Pays Homage To Silence Of The Lambs Director

Photo: Giphy

This is really sad.

On Wednesday, Silence of The Lambs director Jonathan Demme passed away from cancer. Following Jonathan’s death, Jodie released a statement in honor of her beloved “mentor”:

“I am heart-broken to lose a friend, a mentor, a guy so singular and dynamic you’d have to design a hurricane to contain him. Jonathan was as quirky as his comedies and as deep as his dramas. He was pure energy, the unstoppable cheerleader for anyone creative. Just as passionate about music as he was about art, he was and will always be a champion of the soul. JD, most beloved, something wild, brother of love, director of the lambs. Love that guy. Love him so much.”
Bex Taylor-Klaus also paid tribute to the acclaimed director on Instagram. Jonathan directed the 22-year-old lesbian in AMC’s The Killing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTXBK4NBp9u/?taken-by=bex_tk

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTZTzCJBLGP/?taken-by=bex_tk

Here’s to JD’s amazing legacy.

Samira Wiley & Lauren Morelli Make Their First Red Carpet Debut As Newlyweds

Photo: Instagram

THESE TWO.

On April 25, Samira and Lauren attended the Handmaid’s Tale premiere just a few weeks after they tied the knot in Palm Springs, California. The premiere marks the couple’s first red carpet event since their wedding, and let’s just say it’s clear they have the newlywed glow.

Check out a snap from the occasion below:

Gorgeous.

Evan Rachel Wood Opens Up About Westworld

“I’m really curious to see the unleashed version of her that we caught a glimpse of at the very end of the finale. Those final seconds, I think we were seeing a completely different side to her, completely different programming and completely off of her leash, so I don’t think she will be the same person; she’ll be an evolved version.”

Sounds exciting! Considering Wood was nominated for a 2017 Golden Globe thanks to the show, I imagine she’ll have no problem handling Dolores evolution. Keep your eyes peeled for Westworld‘s return in 2018.

YouTube Ends Its Restriction Of LGBT Content

Photo: YouTube

Thanks for getting your shit together, YouTube.

Back in March, YouTube had to answer to its LGBTQ stars for unceremoniously restricting their content. The “restricted mode”, which caused a ton of LGTBQ YouTubers to lose ad revenue, was designed to prevent “potentially objectionable content”.

According to YouTube, this error was caused by bugs in the system opposed to blatant discrimination:

“It’s been a few weeks since we posted about Restricted Mode so we wanted to give everyone an update on where things are. Restricted Mode is designed to be an optional feature that helps filter out more mature content from view, so that institutions like schools and libraries as well as people who prefer a more limited experience would feel comfortable offering access to YouTube. We want to clarify that Restricted Mode should not filter out content belonging to individuals or groups based on certain attributes like gender, gender identity, political viewpoints, race, religion or sexual orientation. Back in March, our community alerted us that our systems were not working as intended, in particular, that we were unintentionally filtering content from Restricted Mode that shouldn’t have been. After a thorough investigation, we started making several improvements to Restricted Mode. On the engineering side, we fixed an issue that was incorrectly filtering videos for this feature, and now 12 million additional videos of all types — including hundreds of thousands featuring LGBTQ+ content — are available in Restricted Mode.”
Hmm. I’m just glad the site worked out whatever was going on for the sake of LGBTQ YouTubers and their fans.

Well, that’s it! Let me know your thoughts on Ellen’s anniversary episode in the comments.

Gif: Imgix

Photo: HBO

Rejoice, Westworld fans! The show was just renewed for a second season. In anticipation of the series’ next installment, Evan spoke to about the next chapter for her character Dolores.

The bisexual actress revealed:

“I’m really curious to see the unleashed version of her that we caught a glimpse of at the very end of the finale. Those final seconds, I think we were seeing a completely different side to her, completely different programming and completely off of her leash, so I don’t think she will be the same person; she’ll be an evolved version.”

Sounds exciting! Considering Wood was nominated for a 2017 Golden Globe thanks to the show, I imagine she’ll have no problem handling Dolores evolution. Keep your eyes peeled for Westworld‘s return in 2018.

YouTube Ends Its Restriction Of LGBT Content

Photo: YouTube

Thanks for getting your shit together, YouTube.

Back in March, YouTube had to answer to its LGBTQ stars for unceremoniously restricting their content. The “restricted mode”, which caused a ton of LGTBQ YouTubers to lose ad revenue, was designed to prevent “potentially objectionable content”.

According to YouTube, this error was caused by bugs in the system opposed to blatant discrimination:

“It’s been a few weeks since we posted about Restricted Mode so we wanted to give everyone an update on where things are. Restricted Mode is designed to be an optional feature that helps filter out more mature content from view, so that institutions like schools and libraries as well as people who prefer a more limited experience would feel comfortable offering access to YouTube. We want to clarify that Restricted Mode should not filter out content belonging to individuals or groups based on certain attributes like gender, gender identity, political viewpoints, race, religion or sexual orientation. Back in March, our community alerted us that our systems were not working as intended, in particular, that we were unintentionally filtering content from Restricted Mode that shouldn’t have been. After a thorough investigation, we started making several improvements to Restricted Mode. On the engineering side, we fixed an issue that was incorrectly filtering videos for this feature, and now 12 million additional videos of all types — including hundreds of thousands featuring LGBTQ+ content — are available in Restricted Mode.”
Hmm. I’m just glad the site worked out whatever was going on for the sake of LGBTQ YouTubers and their fans.

Well, that’s it! Let me know your thoughts on Ellen’s anniversary episode in the comments.

Gif: Imgix

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