According to the publications "Zeek: A Jewish Journal of Thought and Culture" and "Value War: Public Opinion and the Politics of Gay Rights", it was the controversial lesbian outing of the main character (played by Ellen DeGeneres) in the sitcom "Ellen" in 1997 that paved the way for Patty's coming-out in "There's Something About Marrying", as well as for many other gay characters on other television shows. In his book "Queers in American Popular Culture", Jim Elledge noted that it is possible the "Simpsons" staff chose Patty to come out as gay instead of a male character because lesbians were "traditionally considered more acceptable" on television. She did, however, not "adhere to the eroticized male lesbian fantasy or fit into the loveable, asexual guise of the comedy lesbian" that had previously been seen on shows such as "Ellen". Instead, Patty is "rude, crude, and not ashamed of declaring her sexual preferences", and this could make her unpalatable to some viewers according to Elledge.