Ellen Page On Coming Out at 27 and Fighting for LGBTQ Rights

Ellen Page, 32, has fought fearlessly for LGBTQ rights since coming out in 2014. Here's what keeps the Umbrella Academy actress and activist firmly on the front lines.

Helping is healing

"I was closeted until I was 27 years old, and I kept a lot of things inside. I had a hard time. But there are those who have it significantly more difficult than I did, with less access to a safe space to call home or resources for health and healing. Now I'm in a position to try to help-and that's a way of healing myself too. I've been humbled to collaborate with the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. They do extraordinary work to advance LGBTQI rights around the globe." (Here's how coming out helped improved one woman's health and happiness.)

Shining a light

"I want to use my platform and privilege in a way that can make this world safer and more equal and give everyone the same opportunities. I do whatever I can, whether it's working with Astraea on readings and campaigns to benefit LGBTQI youth who have been homeless, or as a board member for the Tegan and Sara Foundation, which fights for health, economic justice, and representation for LGBTQ girls and women. I want to shine a light if I can."

A community of strength

"At the end of the day, you hope you can help those who are struggling, oppressed, or feeling alone by offering them tangible resources and a sense of community. To allow them to be their true selves and to love and be loved. All those things we each innately and deeply want as humans."