Canadian actress makes powerful coming out speech at LGBTI youth conference in the US: ‘I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission’
Canadian actress Ellen Page, 26, has come out as a lesbian in an emotional speech at a gay youth conference.
The actress, most famous for her roles in films Juno and Inception, made the announcement at the ‘Time to THRIVE’ conference in Las Vegas ,US which is organized by the Human Rights Campaign and promotes LGBTI youth welfare (14 February).
In her speech, Page spoke to the audience about her personal struggle with coming out.
‘I’m here today because I am gay. And because… maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility’ she said.
‘I also do it selfishly, because I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission. 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.’
Page also spoke about Hollywood ideals of beauty: ‘It’s weird because here I am, an actress, representing—at least in some sense—an industry that places crushing standards on all of us. Not just young people, but everyone.’
She also went on to thank other LGBTI individuals in the spotlight for inspiring her.
‘Yet there is courage all around us. The football hero, Michael Sam. The actress, Laverne Cox. The musicians Tegan and Sara Quinn’ she said.
Page, who will star in the X-Men: Days of Future Past film in summer this year, thanked the HRC and those who have congratulated her on her brave speech.
‘Thank you @HRC and everyone for all the love and support. X’ she tweeted.
It was recently announced that Page will star in upcoming film Freeheld, alongside Julianne Moore, which tells the story of a lesbian couple and their struggle for equal rights.
Watch Page’s heartfelt speech here:
By Liam Johnson
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