Ellen DeGeneres, the well-known American talk show host, recently shared that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, made the leap to move to the UK after Donald Trump was re-elected. During an event in Cheltenham, when asked if Trump’s victory influenced their decision, Ellen replied with a simple, “Yes.”
Initially, they planned to stay for just four months. But after waking up to a flood of messages filled with crying emojis on election day, they chose to stay longer. “We’re like, ‘We’re staying here,’” Ellen recalled.
Ellen described life in the UK as “better” in many ways. She highlighted the beauty of the countryside, the charming architecture, and a simpler lifestyle. “It’s clean. People are polite,” she said. After moving in November, she even experienced snow for the first time. She mentioned that Portia brought her horses, while Ellen took on some chickens and even had sheep for a brief period.
Reflecting on her past challenges, Ellen opened up about the difficulties she faced after coming out in 1997. She noted that many in the entertainment industry still hesitate to be open about their sexuality. “If it was better, more actors and actresses would be out, but they’re not. It’s still a problem,” she added.
This sentiment towards LGBTQ+ rights remains relevant today, especially with recent statistics showing a divide in public opinion. A 2022 Gallup poll found that while acceptance of same-sex marriage has risen to 70% in the U.S., many still face discrimination.
Ellen’s move and her reflections shine a light on the ongoing journey for acceptance and the need for safe spaces. Her positive view of life in the UK serves as a reminder of how important it is to find a place where one feels at home.
For more on LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance trends, you can check out the Human Rights Campaign’s recent findings.