Canadian actress Ellen Page has come out as gay, saying she's "tired of lying by omission" and that she suffered for years because she hid her sexuality.

Page, 26, made the comments in Las Vegas at the Time to THRIVE conference, an LGBT youth event.

"I’m here today because I am gay," Page said. "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."

Page went on to say that "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"

Human Rights Campaign, a gay advocacy rights group that sponsored the event, later praised the Halifax-born actress "on her brave decision to live openly and authentically."

Page received an Oscar nomination for best actress for her role in Juno, which also featured Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. She also starred in Smart People, Whip It, Inception and X-Men: The Last Stand.