Ellen Page rallies support for LGBT rights during stirring speech (VIDEO)
The actor demanded other public figures use their influence in the fight for LGBT equality.
Ellen Page gave another heartfelt speech at last night’s Human Rights Campaign national dinner, where she accepted the Vanguard Award for being an “inspiration to millions”.
“Living an authentic life is not something we should have to fight for”, she said.
“I am standing on a lot of shoulders tonight and the view is great from where I stand.”
“We all need to use our influence – whatever it may be – for others,” she added.
She went on to say she has been “very, very happy” since coming out on Valentines Day in 2014.
“I have been able to experience a lot of things in the last year and a half,” she beamed.
“Having my arms wrapped around my girlfriend Samantha [Thomas] while we walk down the street, holding her hand on the red carpet, kissing her in the ocean while we surf – yes, she’s taught me to surf!”
The Juno star made her first public appearance with Thomas at the première of her new gay rights drama Freeheld last month.
Freeheld is based on the true story of New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester – played by Julianne Moore – and Hester’s battle while terminally ill to make sure her partner Stacie Andree receives survivor pension benefits, as their relationship was not recognised.
The actress has since promised to promote diverse storytelling when producing films in the future.
She also recently hit out at two of the Republicans running to be President – branding them “homophobic people”.
Watch her full speech below.
