Betty DeGeneres Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Betty DeGeneres is a prominent American LGBT rights activist, best known as the mother of comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres. Born Betty Jane Pfeffer on May 20, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was the youngest of three daughters in a family of German and Irish descent. During her time at Louisiana State University, she studied speech language pathology and performed in plays alongside future Academy Award-winning actress Joanne Woodward. After marrying Elliott DeGeneres in 1952, she became the mother of two children, Ellen and Vance. The family later moved to Texas, where she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her second marriage. Her personal experiences with illness and family dynamics have profoundly influenced her advocacy work. Betty's journey into activism began following her daughter Ellen's public coming out in 1997. As the first non-gay spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign's National Coming Out Project, she became a visible ally for the LGBT community. Her involvement with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) further solidified her role as a staunch advocate for LGBT rights. Through her books, "Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey" and "Just a Mom," she shared her personal experiences and the evolution of her understanding and support for her daughter's identity. In addition to her advocacy, Betty has made appearances in various media. She appeared as an extra in the episode "The Puppy Episode" of the television sitcom Ellen, where her daughter’s character comes out. She has also been featured in numerous episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often sitting in the audience, symbolizing her ongoing support for her daughter's work and the broader LGBT community. Beyond her public life, Betty's personal experiences, including her battle with breast cancer and her role as a mother navigating complex family dynamics, have shaped her into a compassionate and influential figure. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy and her candid sharing of personal stories continue to inspire many in the fight for equality and understanding.