Another closet door flies open: Actress Ellen Page has come out as gay.
Actress Ellen Page celebrated Valentine’s Day by being true to love. The Juno star came out as gay and hopes that by doing so she can make a difference.
Page made her big announcement at the Human Rights Campaign Time to Thrive conference to a gathering of counselors who work with teens who identify as gay, transgender or bisexual.
“I’m here today because I’m gay, and because maybe I can make a difference,” she told the crowd, putting the final kibosh on rumors she is dating Alexander Skarsgard.
“I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility. 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 afraid to be out,” she explained. “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 that pain.”
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Page said one thing she hopes to accomplish by coming out is helping to break down the stereotypes that surround gender and sexuality.
“I try not to read gossip, as a rule. But the other day a website ran an article with a picture of me wearing sweatpants on the way to the gym. And the writer asked: ‘Why does this petite beauty insist upon dressing like a massive man?’ Because I like to be comfortable.”
“There are pervasive stereotypes about masculinity and femininity that define how we are all supposed to act, dress and speak and they serve nobody. Anybody who defies these so-called norms becomes worthy of comment and scrutiny. The LGBT community knows this all too well.”
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