Juno and Inception star Ellen Page announced that she is gay at the Human Rights Campaign’s Time To Thrive Conference event in Las Vegas. During an emotionally charged speech the acclaimed 26 year old actress boldly declared

“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. 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.”

Speaking about the pressure she felt following her breakthrough performance in indie hit Juno Page said :

“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. Standards of beauty. Of a good life.  Of success. Standards that, I hate to admit, have affected me. You have ideas planted in your head, thoughts you never had before, that tell you how you have to act, how you have to dress and who you have to be. I have been trying to push back, to be authentic, to follow my heart, but it can be hard.”

Page joins a surprising minority of public figures in film and sport to publicly come out, with her eight minute speech drawing massive online support from fans and fellow stars alike.

Watch the full 8 minute speech below: