Beyonce Knowles, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Williams, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Ellen DeGeneres, Julianne Moore, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Olivia Munn, Selena Gomez, Paul Rudd, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Westfeldt, Will Ferrell, Sarah Silverman, Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, John Slattery, Jeremy Renner, Conan O’Brien, and others join together in the fight against gun control, in a new PSA for DemandaPlan.org.

The campaign, started by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, comes a week after the horrific massacre in Newtown and amid the polarizing debate rippling through the U.S. about gun violence and the Second Amendment.

Looking into the camera, they read through a list of some of the 31 similar attacks carried out in the US since Columbine in 1999.

‘Virginia Tech. Tucson. Aurora. Fort Hood. Oak Creek. Newtown. How many more?’ they ask. Watch the moving PSA here:

With all the Primetime Emmy Awards already given out and the excitement just behind us, there were some “stars,” we think, who didn’t get proper recognition… Entertainment site Zimbio has tuned into the social media mavens, stars under 30 and even some unexpected icons who currently wield the most impact on and off the small screen from Kelly Ripa to Snooki and everyone in between. They ran the numbers, quantified the data, and tallied the tweets to determine the most powerful women in television in five key categories:

Social Media: Ellen DeGeneres (Twitter Followers: 13.4 million, Facebook Fans: 3.5 million)—”Laugh. Dance. Tweet.” That’s the headline on the front page of Ellen DeGeneres’ Twitter feed, and it perfectly describes the joyful comedienne/talk show host’s social media philosophy. DeGeneres is a consistent, if not prolific, Tweeter who loves to post pictures and links to recent interviews, best wishes to her favorite celebs, and lighthearted quips like, “Where do I vote for Michelle Obama‘s arms?” Just like her daily talk show, Ellen’s social media presence is refreshingly positive and not afraid to be a little bit (or a lot) silly.

Actresses: Melissa McCarthy—This Mike & Molly star is a mold-breaker who doesn’t look like most women on TV and is proud of it. The actress and mom worked her way up the ranks for years, appearing in lots of smaller roles before nabbing the role of Sookie St. James on Gilmore Girls. But it took a sitcom about a couple that meets at Overeaters Anonymous and a fearlessly funny turn in Bridesmaids to truly make McCarthy a star. A surprise Emmy and one Oscar nomination later, the actress is riding high and loving life.

Under 30: Honey Boo Boo (Age 7)—Even if you don’t like Honey Boo Boo, you probably spent at least part of your summer talking about her. The seven-year-old, whose real name is Alana Thompson, had one of the most buzzed about new shows to come around in a long time thanks to her proudly redneck family and their jaw-dropping antics. TLC’s Here Comes Honey Boo Boo dominated the summer TV conversations, and also boasted some impressive ratings, even beating out the Republican National Convention during its time slot. It’s hard to say just how long America’s love affair with Honey Boo Boo will last, but it’s safe to say that Alana and the rest of the Thompson family are enjoying their ride on the 15-Minutes-of-Fame train.

Personalities: Judge Judy—Judy Sheindlin passed the New York bar exam in 1965 and quickly became known for her no-nonsense attitude in family court cases. After retiring as a family court judge in 1996, she was approached about doing a small syndicated court series that would feature real cases and real rulings. Sixteen years later, Judge Judy is the most watched show in all of daytime and Sheindlin makes an astounding $45 million per year. She’s also got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a few best-selling novels.

Behind the Scenes: Shonda Rhimes (Creator, Showrunner, Writer — Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal)—Most people would be content with one hit television show, but this hard working writer/producer not only helms long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, but she also calls the shots on Grey’s spin-off Private Practice and D.C. drama Scandal. Rhimes’ shows have become fan favorites not just for their high-stakes drama and scintillating romances, but also for their colorblind casting. Diversity on television is an issue dear to the showrunner’s heart, and one she’s been outspoken about in the past. With over 27 million people watching her three shows every week, Shonda Rhimes is not only TV’s most prolific writer/producer, but also one of its most powerful voices.

…and he’s out!

Anderson Cooper that is. The CNN news anchor came out of the closet and told the world he is gay.

Cooper wrote an e-mail to Andrew Sullivan, another gay journalist. Sullivan posted the letter to The Daily Beast.

Celebrities and fans have overhwhelmingly flooded Twitter, Facebook, and other sites with words of support and praise.

Celebrities from the gay community such as Ellen Degeneres, Wanda Sykes and Neil Patrick Harris all applauded Cooper‘s coming out with tweets of love and acceptance.

“The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud,” said the CNN anchor.

What do you think? Tell me via Twitter @MicahJesse

You may recognize Zach Wahls from the viral YouTube video (18 million views!) where the then 19-year-old University of Iowa student gave a speech to Iowa House Judiciary committee, defending being raised by two lesbian moms. In his powerful speech he proudly stated that “the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character.”

Yessssssss!

Watch the powerful clip below and check out MJ’s interview with Zach Wahls — after the jump!

MJ got a chance to chat with activist Zach Wahls about his first book, ”My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family…” Keep reading to check out our chat!

Jason Merritt/WireImage

Legendary performer Cher was joined by a room full of big name celebs including Betty White, Ellen DeGeneres, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Joshua Jackson, Kim Wayans, Sara Gilbert and Jason Mraz joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) at the 23^rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles!

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.  The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

Cher surprised her son, Chaz Bono, by joining Bono’s stepmother, Rep. Mary Bono Mack, in presenting him with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award.  The special honor is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.

In her remarks, Cher praised her son, “I’m here because Chaz has the most courage of almost anyone I know.”

Read more of her remarks and watch the emotional video of Cher presenting Chaz Bono with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards…after the jump!

Funnygal Ellen DeGeneres is known for spoofing various television shows and movies on her talk show, “The Ellen Show.”  Apparently Ellen appeared in a scene in James Cameron‘s “Titanic” that was cut out.  Lucky for us, her scene was added back in for the special re-release of the 3D film.  She shows us footage of her exclusive scene, below:

It just goes to show you that one person really can make a change!

High school junior Katy Butler started a Change.org campaign when the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) gave Lee Hirsch‘s documentary “Bully” an R-rating.  The whole purpose of the documentary is to show people just how much bullying affects people.  With an R-rating, the film wouldn’t reach it’s target demographic: kids!

“I wish ‘Bully’ was around when I was in middle school, and experienced some of the worst bullying I could imagine,” said Butler. “But it makes me incredibly happy that kids in middle school and high school today will be able to see a film like ‘Bully’ and share that experience with their friends.”

With Katy’s help and support from some notable celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Meryl Streep, and Demi Lovato, more than 500,000 people signed the petition to give the documentary a “PG-13″ rating.  Their voices were heard and the film, after a few minor edits, has received that rating.

As a big supporter of anti-bullying, I’ve set up a Crowdrise fundraising page to raising $5,000 for The Bully Project.  Find out how you can help here!