Ellen Page Speaks Out for Gays

Ellen Page at Time to Thrive Conference

By Alexandra Kezek

Oscar-nominated film star Ellen Page presented her coming out speech at the Human Rights Campaign's Time to Thrive Conference in Las Vegas on February 14, 2014. Time to Thrive is an event hosted by the Human Rights Campaign in partnership with the American Counseling Association, to help promote the safety and well being of LGBT youth. A member of the Human Rights Campaign, she is admired for the campaign’s work. Her trembling voice brought comfort to those who listened as she delivered her passionate speech, wearing a Time to Thrive shirt in support of the campaign.

She starts her speech regarding the pressure of being famous. The fashion industry  places high standards on people and creates the idea in youth’s minds of what beauty and success are. Ellen Page, 27 at the time, talks about an instance where she was ridiculed for her clothing choices (she was wearing sweatpants while running errands) on gossip websites and how that affected her. Because she is a celebrity, tabloids follow her and are ready to exploit lies for publicity. Social norms are put in place that pressure people to conformity, and if one does not follow conformity, than one is scrutinized. Ellen Page states her stance on bullying and judgements:

this world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another. If we took just five minutes to recognize each other’s beauty instead of attacking each other for our differences—that’s not hard, it’s really an easier and better way to live. And ultimately, it saves lives.

She continues her speech as she shows comfort to all people, and talks about how suicide is a serious epidemic. It affects all people, which can be deterred if people come together for the good of others. She states that people should live without shame of who they are.
     
Ellen Page’s goal is to promote love and equality. She delivered a thank you message to former Minnesota Golden Gophers player Michael Sam, and to Laverne Cox, transgender actor in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” for their courage of coming out, expressing themselves, and continuing to be successful.

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 also do it selfishly, because I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission.

The moment she stated “I am gay,” Ellen Page received two standing ovations as she became emotional from happiness. Her speech reached to social media sites like Twitter and Tumblr, with much positive feedback from fans and celebrities. Anna Kendrick tweeted “Congrats to you, your light, talent, and beauty.” Ellen Page is appreciated for her talent and courage. She regarded the heartfelt speech as a social responsibility. The eight minute speech had a lasting impact on the campaign; Ellen ended her speech with a big smile, saying “Happy Valentines Day, I love you.”