"I'm accused of becoming political. I'm showing love. How is that political?" After her sitcom character came out as gay in the 90s, Ellen Degeneres faced criticism by those who said that audiences weren't "ready". But by being true to herself, she helped pave the way for LGBT representation on screen. Happy birthday, Ellen! | Freeda En

397K views · 4.5K reactions | 27 years ago, Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay on her sitcom show. Dark Side of Comedy | Watch now on SBS On Demand before it leaves | SBS On Demand | Facebook

301K views · 998 reactions | WOW, WHAT A MOMENT. On April 30, 1997, something happened. ABC's ‘Ellen’ became the first TV show to feature an LGBTQ+ lead come out, paving the way for a changing landscape of acceptance in entertainment. Thanks, Ellen DeGeneres! [Also, Oprah Winfrey and Laura Dern, I MEAN.] | Freeform | Facebook

In a moment that shocked many across the country in 1997, Ellen DeGeneres decided to have her character on the show “Ellen” come out as gay, while simultaneously doing the same in real life. This moment broke barriers and lit the spark for realistic gay representation on TV and in the media going forward. Tonight we hear from the trailblazing team behind the sitcom hit. Join us for “TV on the Edge: Moments That Shaped Our Culture” at 9p ET/PT on CNN. | CNN Original Series