Ellen Degeneres' Emotional Appeal for Change

Everybody knows that Ellen DeGeneres is a gay woman--it was right there on People Magazine. But with rare exceptions, the most political thing Ellen ever does these days is be herself. She rarely makes a big issue of it, particularly in the years since her ABC show, and her relationship with Anne Heche. She found herself the victim of a vicious backlash at the time, and it's surprising (and wonderful) that she's mounted such an effective comeback.

On her "Leap Year" show, Ellen decided to get political again--if only for a few minutes--to highlight a very serious topic: the murder of Lawrence (Larry) King, a gay middle schooler, over a Valentine wish. Ellen handles the topic with warmth and emotion, and a call for change. Take a look.