Teen Activist Katy Butler Talks 'Bully,' Ellen DeGeneres and GLAAD: Interview

In less than a month17-year-old Katy Butler went from being an antibullying activist in her home state of Michigan to becoming a prominent figure in the national conversation about bullying, complete with celebrity backing and recognition from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

An out lesbian, who endured antigay bullying in middle school, Butler launched a Change.Org petition late in February, calling for a rating change from R to PG-13 for the Weinstein Company’s documentary Bully, so that the film’s target audience of middle school and high school aged students would be able to see the film and so that it could eventually be shown in schools.

The push for a rating change came when the Motion Picture Association of America slapped an R rating on the film for its six swear words, whereas, if the film had only four swears, it would have qualified for a PG-13 rating.

The fight for Bully’s rating change began before Butler launched her petition but since she took action she’s caught the attention and support of celebrities, politicians and GLAAD. Butler’s odyssey from Michigan high school student to activist on the national stage includes an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show during which DeGeneres lauded Butler and introduced viewers to Bully and the surrounding controversy.

http://www.shewired.com/soapbox/2012/03/23/teen-activist-katy-butler-talks-bully-ellen-degeneres-and-glaad-interview