President Barack Obama and Ellen
DeGeneres are considered the most important public figures for
advancing the rights of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender.
According to a Pew
Research Center poll of 1,197 LGBT adults released Thursday, 23
percent cited Obama as most important, while 18 percent said
DeGeneres.
“Barack Obama helps a lot,” a
32-year-old lesbian said, “I am amazed to have a sitting president
supporting my right to marry. Also, the lawyers arguing the two
Supreme Court cases, and the Supreme Court justices themselves.”
“Ellen DeGeneres,” a 31-year-old
bisexual woman said. “I know it sounds corny, but she has been out
for so long that it is no longer an issue, and older white women feel
comfortable with her show. She normalizes LGBT people.”
Others mentioned include CNN anchor
Anderson Cooper (3%), former first lady Hillary Clinton (3%), former
Congressman Barney Frank (2%) and actor Neil Patrick Harris (2%).
Others cited by at least 1 percent of
respondents include Vice President Joe Biden, First Lady Michelle
Obama, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, singers Lady Gaga, Frank
Ocean and Elton John, MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow, actor George Takei
and comedian Wanda Sykes.