Since Ellen Page’s cult-hit Juno, rumors surfaced about her sexuality. They varied from labeling her a lesbian, to questions of bisexuality, to finally settling on unexpected, crazy romance rumors. On February 14th, Page finally ended the speculations and confirmed that she is gay.

At the Human Rights Campaign’s Time to THRIVE conference, which promotes the health of youth in the LGBT community, she gave a personal, powerful, and emotional speech expressing her struggles as a lesbian and a woman in Hollywood.

Page said, “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.”

During Page’s speech, after disclosing her sexuality, the audience cheered loudly. At the end of it, she tearfully reflected on her own personal struggles.

Before admitting she was gay, Page talked about the societal standards of normality:

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.

Then Page shared a personal experience about a reporter questioning why she didn’t dress more feminine. Page commented by saying that gender stereotypes help no one. She also thanked football star Michael Sam, Orange is the New Black actress Laverne Cox, and musicians Tegan and Sara for their contribution to the LGBT community.

Page thanked the audience and asked them to continue to change the world for people like her.

Congratulations, @EllenPage for taking the steps to live openly and come out as lesbian. #comingout #timetoTHRIVE http://t.co/PneoSUunRk

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) February 15, 2014

Thank you @HRC and everyone for all the love and support. X

— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 15, 2014

Image via Youtube