Hollywood actress Ellen Page said
Saturday that she's “very happy” since coming out lesbian last
year.
Page, 28, was presented with the Human
Rights Campaign's (HRC) National Vanguard Award at its 19th
annual National Dinner in Washington, D.C., which was headlined by
Vice President Joe Biden. Seven-time Emmy Award winner Allison
Janney presented Page with the award.
(Related: Joe
Biden: Americans have moved past homophobia.)
“I can proudly stand here tonight and
tell you that since Valentine's Day of last year, I'm very, very
happy,” said Page, who came out during a speech at an HRC-sponsored
LGBT youth conference held on Valentine's Day. “And I finally feel
that I am truly living my life.”
“There was a time when I thought it
would be impossible to be out. And 18 months ago with the help of
your love and support I shared my story. And everything changed for
me. And I'm still feeling the effects of that moment today.”
“I acutely remember the pain I was in
before I was out.”
She said that being out has allowed her
to voice her love for girlfriend Samantha Thomas and that she
understood that she was “standing on a lot of shoulders.”
Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham
Clinton addressed the group earlier in the day.
(Related: Hillary
Clinton backs LGBT protections; warns GOP will try to undo marriage
equality.)