[Image: Getty]
At the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's inauguralTime to Thrive conference in Las Vegas, Ellen Page (Juno, X-Men: Days of Future Past) kicked off the weekend by coming out.
"I'm here today because I am gay and because maybe I can make a difference," the Oscar-nominated actress said. "To help others have an easier and more hopeful time."
Her speech echoed the core message of the HRC conference, which is to promote safety, inclusion and well-being.
"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 ... Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for giving me hope. Happy Valentine's Day."
Several conference participants, including Lance Bass, confirmed and tweeted their reactions to Page's speech:
Ellen Page at @HRC conference: "I am here today because I am gay..and maybe I can help others to have an easier time. I am tired of hiding."
-- Robin Abcarian (@robinabcarian) February 15, 2014
Page also tweeted her thanks to her supporters:
