The Three Phases of Ellen: From Queer to Gay to Postgay

Abstract

This chapter explores the representational politics of Ellen DeGeneres’ two sitcoms, Ellen (ABC 1993–98) and The Ellen Show (CBS, 2001). In particular, I look at her character’s evolution from a queer character as she flirted with coming out, to a lesbian after she famously came out, to a postgay character in her second sitcom. These three characterizations represent three distinct positions in queer, gay, lesbian politics, and thus offer not only three perspectives on queer identity, but also the explicit example of the creation and re-creation of those identities.