Photo: Flare
In a new interview with Flare, a Canadian fashion magazine, Ellen Page opens up about coming out in Hollywood. The X-Men: Days of Future Past star recently came out while delivering a speech at a Human Rights Campaign conference in Las Vegas. While appearing confident during the delivery of her emotional speech, Page tells the magazine she was actually scared.
"I was very nervous. I was very nervous, yes. Yes. Very, very nervous. Yes. I was emotional, deeply, deeply emotional," Page says. "You think you're in a place where you're all 'I'm thrilled to be gay, I have no issues about being gay anymore, I don't feel shame about being gay,' but you actually do. You're just not fully aware of it. I think I still felt scared about people knowing. I felt awkward around gay people; I felt guilty for not being myself."
While not surprising for any celebrity on the verge of coming out, Page now admits she's confident and proud of who she is. She'll always be happy to discuss being out, which also includes addressing Hollywood's double standard when it comes to sexuality.
"You hear things like, 'People shouldn't know about your life because you're creating an illusion on-screen.' But I don't see other actresses going to great lengths to hide their heterosexuality."
"That's an unfair double standard," Page adds.
While Hollywood feels the pressure of at least one out actress standing on firm ground, Page is feeling lighter and more creative as she focuses on new projects.
"And I'm sure it has to do with a lot of bricks being taken out of the backpack."
Ellen's interview in Flare's June 2014 issue is available on newsstands on May 12, 2014.
