aAh! Magazine
You are here: Home / News / Actress Ellen Page Reveals Her Sexuality: Should It Be News?
News

Actress Ellen Page Reveals Her Sexuality: Should It Be News?

20th February 2014 By 0 194
Ellen Page

Ellen Page

 

On Friday 14th February, actress Ellen Page gave a speech at the Human Rights Campaign‘s ‘Time to Thrive’ conference in Las Vegas. As part of an inspiring talk on the problems of intolerance toward homosexuality, she came out as gay, the video of which you can see below.

After the initial and predictable reactions of either praise or outrage, the debate on whether the sexuality of celebrities matters raged on. Fundamentally, there are two sides of the argument: either that it should, or it shouldn’t, be reported by the media.

Some may argue that the coming out of a celebrity is simply the individual’s decision to reveal that they are gay (or otherwise), and it is not newsworthy material. If you forgive the pigeon-holing, a summary of the argument is “I don’t care about celebrities.”

But in a world where homosexuality is far from universally accepted, the figures with the most exposure and influence should be lauded for bravely choosing to reveal their homosexuality. In industries such as that of Hollywood film – where homosexuality can mean the unspoken decline of a career – fantastic actors and actresses such as Ellen Page are paving the way to a more accepting society. We are gradually making our way toward this brighter future, but far too slowly.

Recent issues such as the denigration of homosexuality by the Russian government and the Winter Olympics in Sochi demonstrate these continuing problems. Of course many people like to moan and groan about the perpetual reports of every aspect of celebrities’ private lives in the media. Though by their very definition, these celebrities are, and will continue to be, written about, examined, and analysed by the media, and in turn the public. Celebrities are often looked up to as good role models, and (usually) rightly so.

Do not dismiss Ellen Page’s coming out as not being newsworthy simply because you choose to ignore the blatant problems of intolerance that still exist in global society today. Celebrate her bravery and be glad for the new freedom that she must feel as a result.

Sam Friend is a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, studying History and Politics. He is passionate about reading, writing, and music. You can follow him on Twitter here.

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • 29th May 2026

    Fcukers @ New Century Hall gallery – bringing the party to Manchester

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…

  • 21st May 2026

    Q&A: DR DR on Manchester, Justin Timberlake and full-fat milk

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…

  • 16th May 2026

    Yellow Days @ Gorilla review – a night of cinematic neo-soul

    Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come.  Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…

  • 12th May 2026

    The Royston Club @ O2 Victoria Warehouse gallery: sending shivers down your spine

    Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…

Latest Articles