Ellen Page has come out as gay in a speech to the Human Rights Campaign in Las Vegas on Friday, Valentine’s Day.
“I’m here today because I am gay,” the 26-year-old star of “Juno” told the audience. “Maybe I can help others to have an easier time. I am tired of hiding.”
“And because maybe I can make a difference,” she added. “To help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility,” she added.
Also read: Julianne Moore, Zach Galifianakis Join Ellen Page in Gay Rights Drama ‘Freeheld’
The actress delivered an emotional speech at Time to THRIVE, a conference to promote the welfare of LGBT youth held at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. And I am standing here today with all of you on the other side of that pain,” she said.
The actress, who will play Shadowcat in the upcoming “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” was just announced as having joined the gay rights drama, “Freeheld.”
HRC tweeted support for Page’s announcement shortly after her speech:
Congratulations, @EllenPage for taking the steps to live openly and come out as lesbian. #comingout#timetoTHRIVEhttp://t.co/PneoSUunRk
— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) February 15, 2014The Academy Award nominated actress said she hoped to make a difference by coming out, and pointed to other public figures like University of Missouri football star Michael Sam coming out as positive examples for LGBT youth.
“I was tired of lying by omission,” she added.
SEE ALSO: 14 famous couples and their real-life inspirations