Watch Obama 's Lovely Tribute to Ellen DeGeneres , Androgynous Gay Ambassador . 
When Barack Obama awarded her one of his last Presidential Medals of Freedom on Tuesday , he reminded viewers that two decades ago , when DeGeneres came out , even rumors of being gay could torpedo an actor 's livelihood . 
"What an incredible burden that was to bear , to risk your career like that ," Obama said in his address . 
Ellen smiled and swallowed , clearly holding back tears , as Obama praised her courage and determination to change hearts and minds . 
"She did pay a price ," Obama continued . 
"Ellen DeGeneres has showed us that a single individual can make the world a more fun , more open , more loving place , so long as we just keep swimming ," the ceremony announcer read as Obama fastened the medal around DeGeneres ' neck .
When [TGT] awarded [TGT] one of [TGT] last Presidential Medals of Freedom on Tuesday , [TGT] reminded viewers that two decades ago , when DeGeneres came out , even rumors of being gay could torpedo an actor 's livelihood . 
"What an incredible burden that was to bear , to risk your career like that ," [TGT] said in [TGT] address . 
Ellen smiled and swallowed , clearly holding back tears , as [TGT] praised her courage and determination to change hearts and minds . 
"She did pay a price ," [TGT] continued . 
"Ellen DeGeneres has showed us that a single individual can make the world a more fun , more open , more loving place , so long as we just keep swimming ," the ceremony announcer read as [TGT] fastened the medal around DeGeneres ' neck .