April 30th, 1997 - ABC aired the "coming out" episode of the sitcom "Ellen." The title character, played by Ellen DeGeneres, admitted she was a lesbian.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-episode-that-liberatedthen-destroyedellen,101551/

Ellen DeGeneres wanted her sitcom character to come out of the closet. The network suggested she adopt a puppy. This is the uncompromising compromise.