Ellen DeGeneres Show, a daytime talk show, begins airing on NBC. As of 2011, the show has won 32 Daytime Emmy Awards.



Feb. The Rawhide Kid, a Marvel Comics character since the 1950s, makes his first appearance in a comic as a homosexual.



April 23 ABC airs the first lesbian kiss on daytime TV when Bianca kisses Lena on All My Children.



July 15 Bravo debuts Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, a reality television series. The show features a team of five gay men who perform makeovers on straight men. Each of the five guys has an area of expertise: fashion, style, personal grooming, interior design and culture. The show becomes a rating success and wins an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program.

2004 Sept. 8 Showtime debuts The L Word, atelevision drama which focuses on a group of lesbian, bisexual and transgender friends in Los Angeles. The series airs for five years.

2005 Dec. 9 Brokeback Mountain, a major motion picture is released, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two cowboys in a gay relationship. The film is directed by Ang Lee and receives several awards, including three Oscars. Top

2006 Nov. Actor Neil Patrick Harris confirms that he is gay in a People magazine interview, saying, "I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."

2007 Aug. 17 As the World Turns airs the