In a speech at the Time to Thrive conference Friday, actress Ellen Page came out as gay. “I’m here today because I am gay,” she told the audience of LGBT youth at the Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The 26-year old star of “Juno” appears in the upcoming “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”
“I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission,” Page said. “I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain.”
Hollywood and Homosexuality: Why Ellen Page Made a Difference
The sponsor of the conference, Human Rights Campaign, tweeted “Congratulations @EllenPage for taking the steps to live openly and come out as lesbian.”
Congratulations, @EllenPage for taking the steps to live openly and come out as lesbian. #comingout #timetoTHRIVE http://t.co/PneoSUunRk
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 15, 2014
She told the audience she felt a personal obligation and a social responsibility to be honest. “Maybe I can help others to have an easier time. I am tired of hiding,” she said.
