Who is the "most famous Lesbian in the world?"

[liamstliam]

The New York Times has an excellent analysis on where same-sex marriage stands, based on the appearance of Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi, on Oprah.

I would have recommended it anyway, but I did have a little furrowing of the forehead when Ms. de Rossi was quoted as saying Ellen was "the most famous lebian in the world."

Here's the context:

A decade ago, she had trouble getting work, a development that she and many observers chalked up to her being “the most famous lesbian in the world,” as Ms. de Rossi described her on “Oprah.”

But now she’s on the cover of the current issue of O magazine, exclusive real estate usually inhabited by Ms. Winfrey alone. She’s a pitchwoman not only for American Express but also for Cover Girl makeup, a heartland product if ever there was one.

Now, observations aside, who do you think is the most famous Lesbian in the world.

(I think we can do this without getting too tied up in "Well, she's really bisexual," for whatever value of "she" we mean.)

Anyway, my immediate thought, being a man of a certain age, was Martina Navatrilova, the great tennis player.

Is it an age thing?

A "general public vs. those of us who know a lot of Lesbian/Bi folks" question?

Where does your mind go on this one?

Comments

[blaisepascal]

There are a lot of women who might be more famous than Ellen who are out lesbians, but few chose to use their fame and visibility to come out like Ellen did. Ellen came out during a very hyped episode of her somewhat autobiographic-based sitcom. Her show turned from being about Ellen to being about lesbian Ellen.

You mentioned Martina Navatrilova, but she didn't yell "We're here, we're queer, get used to it!" while holding up the Rosewater Dish. Her personal life was talked about, but didn't carry over to her area of fame. Mellisa Ethridge didn't french-kiss her girlfriend on stage at Madison Square Garden. Similarly with Rosie O'Donnell.

I think, compared to Martina, Mellisa, Rosie, etc, Ellen is famous now for being a lesbian, as opposed to being an actress or comedianne. She is probably one of the more famous lesbians, as oppose to being one of the more famous people who happen to be lesbians, if you see the distinction I'm trying to make.

[bunnyjadwiga.livejournal.com]

Yes. Ellen is famous for coming out as a Lesbian on a TV sitcom.

On the other hand, I'm not sure that there's anything wrong with Ellen being famous for, well, advancing the visibility of lesbians. And also for being a fairly ordinary person with a certain level of entertainment talent along with it.