Ellen Page Says Her Role In ‘Freeheld’ Inspired Her To Come Out

Everyone remembers Ellen Page's rousing and emotional speech at the Time to Thrive conference in Las Vegas, where the actress announced to the world that she was gay. Since then, Page has been an outspoken activist for LGBTQ rights, filming a show for Vice called Gaycation, and most recently confronting senator Ted Cruz over his controversial views on the topic.

Her latest role in the upcoming gay rights drama Freeheld represents a convergence of Page's professional and personal lives, and the actress told Out that it was actually the reason she decided to come out. “I remember thinking, ‘Ellen, how in God’s name could you make this film and not be out?’" she told the magazine. Freeheld, which Page has been attached to since she broke out with Juno, is the true story of a lesbian couple who fight a legal battle after one of them (played by Julianne Moore) is diagnosed with terminal cancer but is not allowed to give her pension to her partner (Page). She says the story made her think, "Dude, just tell people you’re gay. Just get over yourself, honestly, and support those who are not as privileged. It’s like, You have f—ing privilege, so do something with it.”

Freeheld hits theaters on October 2.