The actress Ellen Page came out in an emotional, eloquent speech today at the Human Rights Campaign’s Time to THRIVE conference in Las Vegas. “Loving other people starts with loving ourselves and accepting ourselves,” a visibly nervous Page said. “I am here today because I am gay.” After a short standing ovation, she continued:

Maybe I can make a difference to help others have an easier and more hopeful time. … I also do it selfishly because I’m tired of hiding and I’m tired of lying by omission. I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered. My mental health suffered. My relationships suffered. I’m standing here today with all of you on the other side of that pain.

It’s notable of course that an actress who’s worked in both blockbusters (Inception) and indie hits (Juno) is going public with her sexuality, but it’s particularly laudable that Page did so at this conference, before an audience of those working for the welfare of LGBT youth. Watch the video of Page’s touching speech below.