Ellen Interviews Ann Arbor High School Student

A 14-year old student from Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School received "kudos" today from TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Graham Taylor, who is openly gay, gained media attention after speaking in defense of a Howell high school teacher at a board meeting.

The teacher was suspended following his decision to remove two students who used gay slurs in an argument about homosexuality.  Taylor says that punishing the teacher sends the wrong message to students.

Taylor described the inspiration for his speech to Ellen.

"I just began to speak, and slowly I just thought of everyone that's ever been tormented or had such a hard life, and the rest just came out," he said.

Ellen also asked Taylor about being openly gay and comfortable at his age.  

"It takes time to get comfortable with yourself…," he said. "I went through some very tough time learning to accept myself, but once I did I just realized what a beautiful thing that is."

During his appearance on the show, Taylor was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from media website Tonic.com.

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