To ‘make a difference,’ Ellen Page admits she’s gay

MANILA, Philippines – “I am here today because I am gay, and because maybe I can make a difference, to help others have an easier and more hopeful time.” 

With these words, actress Ellen Page, best known for her roles in Juno and Inception, publicly announced that she was gay.

In an exclusive, The Hollywood Reporter said that the Hollywood star made the announcement at a conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, called Time to THRIVE, which aims to support members of the LGBT community. 

Standing tall although visibly emotional, the petite star shone the spotlight on the emotional struggles  faced by the LGBT community with regard to coming out. 

This was not done lightly, as she was quick to point out her own role as an actress in Hollywood, where standards of beauty are known to be unrealistically high.

“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…standards that I hate to admit, have affected me,” she said, pointing out that members of the industry are often victims to high expectations from their management and from their fans. 

She also cited her own example, talking about how a gossip article online, reacting to a picture of her in sweatpants on the way to the gym, commented that she always dressed like “a massive man.” 

“I have been trying to push back, to be authentic, to follow my heart, but it can be hard,” she said. She later came out to loud whoops and applause from the crowd. 

Although considered a very capable actress in Hollywood (she was nominated for an Oscar for 2007’s Juno), she has also kept a considerably low profile while continuing to show steady work. She will next be seen reprising her role as Kitty Pryde in the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past, alongside a host of A-list actors, including Jennifer Lawrence, Ian McKellen, Michael Fassbender, and Patrick Stewart. – Rappler.com