In an interview with Katie Couric, Ellen DeGeneres spoke of how she felt we have grown to disrespect not just people but the world as a whole and until we start to do the latter then we can’t even begin to work on the former.

In talking about what strides she felt had happened in society in the 12 years since she publicly came out, DeGeneres acknowledged the impact that popular culture has had, and how it is important that all kinds of different lifestyles are represented on television to break down prejudices and lead to greater acceptance. Going on to say that she didn’t necessarily believe that people have to agree with these lifestyles but simply accept them, Ellen made it obvious if they weren’t willing to be quiet on these issues then neither was she.

On the subject of gay marriage, Ellen said she believed there would be national acceptance on gay marriage at some point in her lifetime, and the fight against it would be looked back on as “ridiculous”. She also criticised the Proposition 8 campaign saying they acted to scare voters by making out that gay marriage would be taught in schools.

Complimenting Ellen on how she stayed true to herself, Couric asked her what advice she would give to others to achieve the same. Speaking about how it had been a long journey for her Ellen said she felt to be truly content with yourself you must find who you are, what makes you happy and what drives you, believing once you have that truth “everything else will come to you”.

When asked about having a family with Portia, Ellen said they had talked about it but felt they were so much in love with each other that they didn’t feel they wanted to share that love.

Definitely worth watching, the interview also covers a whole range of other issues including Ellen’s decision to be a vegan, American Idol and whether Ellen would appear on Dancing With The Stars.

You can watch Katie Couric’s interview with Ellen in full below: