Briana KoenemanActress Ellen Page made an emotional announcement at a Human Rights Campaign event Friday night.
"I'm here today because I am gay. And because..." (Via Human Rights Campaign)
The "Juno" actress broke the news during a speech at Time to THRIVE, a conference for educators and counselors who work with LGBT youth. (Via Fox Searchlight Pictures / "Juno")
Page's sexuality has been the subject of gossip and speculation for years now. But when the Canadian actress came out to the audience of about 600, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
"I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission. I suffered for years because I was scared to be out.” (Via Human Rights Campaign)
Page also mentioned University of Missouri football player Michael Sam, who also recently revealed he's gay. Sam could be the first openly gay player in history to be drafted by the NFL. (Via The Washington Post)
The actress took to Twitter after the conference to thank the Human Rights Campaign for its love and support. And she got even more kind words from other users as the news of her speech continued to spread. (Via Twitter / @EllenPage)
And it looks like Page's life might be imitating her art. She and Julianne Moore will play a gay couple in the upcoming indie drama "Freeheld."
