Ellen DeGeneres

"I learned compassion from being discriminated against. Everything bad that has ever happened to me has taught me compassion." -Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres started from a humble beginning, now an easily recognizable star, however she hasn't stopped loving and caring for others. DeGeneres was born Metairie, Louisiana during 1958, she graduated 1976. She worked many dead end jobs in New Orleans. Finally she started doing comedy and got her own sitcom, "Ellen" in 1994. DeGeneres came as a lesbian and was discriminated and looked down upon. In 2001 she got a new series "The Ellen Show". DeGeneres is very determined and shows it. When people boycotted her show she stood her ground. Ellen DeGeneres is a hero for a wide variety of people because of her charity work, stays true to herself, and she's a well-known gay rights activist.

DeGeneres has donated and helped 35 different charities and foundations to raise money for people in need. Her willingness to lend a helping hand is endless. One of the many charities DeGeneres helps is Stand up To Cancer, a non-profit organization that raises money for cancer researchers and scientist to help find a cure. DeGeneres does what she can to change lives in a positive way. She is also helping the health of future generations. The amount of money she raised is helping us get that closer to curing cancer. She helps a variety of different charities. DeGeneres also supports a non-profit organization called STOMP out Bullying. They work to end bullying and educate against Homophobia. She talks about how all people are equal and this organization helps teens notice that. DeGeneres is a generous person always there to help.

DeGeneres knows firsthand the discrimination gay people are put through when she announced to the public that was lesbian. She went on to become a big gay rights activist. DeGeneres supports an organization called the It Gets Better Project. They help LGBT teens that are bullied know that life gets better and they're not alone. She helps these teens know that they shouldn't be ashamed about who they are. Not only does she do what she can to help the teens, she also speaks for the rights of adults. When DeGeneres found out about the gay marriage law that was passed in California she was shocked and hurt. She commented saying it was ridiculous but she was going to continue working for equality. Even though the law was passed, DeGeneres continues to keep a positive attitude. DeGeneres is confident that the law will be over turned and that marriage will be allowed for everyone. No matter whom you choose to love, you are still a human like everyone else. DeGeneres fights to prove that.

DeGeneres has been through many difficult things in her life she still pushes forward, not letting anyone get in the way of her goals. When DeGeneres came out many people disagreed with her choice. She lost sponsors and even received death threats. However, in spite of the violent attacks she stood her ground. It takes a lot of courage to stay stand up when everyone goes against you. Slowly but surely things started to go in a positive direction. An anti-group called "One Million Moms" protested DeGeneres being the spokes person for the store JC Penny's, saying she didn't have "traditional values" because of her sexuality. JC Penny's stood by DeGeneres's side. Before when DeGeneres first came out JC Penny's was one of the sponsors that dropped her. This shows how she is accepted for who she is now. DeGeneres did not let these obstacles get in her way or stop her from being herself.

Ellen DeGeneres's good deeds have motivate others to take action and help a cause. DeGeneres speaks for equal rights and helps people in need, proving she's selfless and cares for everyone. And she still continues to help foundations and non-profit foundations. DeGeneres shows traits of compassion and courage. DeGeneres has inspired me to also take part in helping people, and to be comfortable in my own skin. No matter what your sexuality, religion, or race is we are all equal. "The World is full of a lot of fear and a lot of negativity, and a lot of judgment. I just think people need to start shifting into joy and happiness. As corny as it sounds, we need to make a shift." - Ellen DeGeneres