Juno star Ellen Page comes out as gay and says she hopes to help others struggling with their sexuality

Ellen Page has revealed she is gay. 
The 26-year-old Juno actress said she is 'sick of lying by omission' and made her announcement at the Human Rights Campaign's Time To THRIVE conference for LGBTQ [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning] youth in Las Vegas on Friday. 

In her speech, Ellen said she hoped her news would help others struggling with their sexuality, saying: '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.'
Time to THRIVE organiser Human Rights Campaign tweeted the news and wrote: 'Congratulations, @EllenPage for taking the steps to live openly and come out as lesbian. #comingout #timetoTHRIVE (sic).'
Ellen admitted she has found it difficult to be herself since shooting to fame in 2007's Juno.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, she 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.'

Ellen mentioned other stars who she sees as courageous for coming out and revealing their sexuality.
She cited football player Michael Sam, Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox, and lesbian identical twin musicians Tegan and Sara Quinn for being out and proud.
And it didn't take long for Page to inspire her celebrity pals, who eagerly tweeted their support for her brave move.

Former boybander Lance Bass was in the audience when Ellen came out and immediately shared an Instagram snap of her at the podium.
'I just watched Ellen Page come out! Wow! What a speech! Congrats!!' the gay N'Sync singer captioned the picture. 'We love you @ellenpage!!'
The X-Men star's rumoured ex-boyfriend Emile Hirsch also gave her 'props' for her bold move.

The Hollywood hunk tweeted: 'Props to @EllenPage for helping so many people through their daily struggles by courageously leading by example and coming out on V Day!'
Tegan and Sara, whom Page mentioned by name in her speech echoed: 'Never underestimate the courage it takes to be yourself. Giant hugs to @EllenPage.'
Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick had an enthusiastic reaction: 'Mad mad mad mad mad mad crazy love and praise for @EllenPage today. Congrats to you, you light, talent, and beauty.'

And House of Cards actress Kate Mara posted a flirty tweet: 'Hey @EllenPage…Be my Valentine? #respect'
Veronica Mars funnywoman Kristen Bell said she was riveted be Ellen's fabulous speech.
'So honest & funny & articulate. She Shines. Happy Valentines day to ALL,' tweeted the actress who got engaged to husband Dax Shepherd the day after gay marriage was legal.
And gay Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson wrote: 'Love love LOVE @EllenPage & the message she sent out today! What a perfect way to end Valentines Day!