“I’m here today because I am gay,” Ellen Page told an audience at the HRC Time to Thrive conference for LGBT youth. “And because maybe I can make a difference.”

The noticeably nervous Page explained her decision to come out, saying that she is “tired of hiding”.

She explained, “I am tired of lying by omission. I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered, and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain. I am young, yes, but what I have learned is that love, the beauty of it, the joy of it and yes, even the pain of it, is the most incredible gift to give and to receive as a human being. And we deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.”

Watch the full speech below.

HRC tweeted their congratulations to page after the event.

Congratulations, @EllenPage for taking the steps to live openly and come out as lesbian. #comingout #timetoTHRIVE http://t.co/PneoSUunRk

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 15, 2014

Many fans and celebrities took to Twitter to congratulate the actress, including queer musicians Tegan And Sara.

I second that! “@AnnaKendrick47: Mad mad mad crazy love and praise for @EllenPage today. Congrats to you, you light, talent, and beauty.”

— Nikki Reed (@NikkiReed_I_Am) February 15, 2014

Love love LOVE @EllenPage & the message she sent out today! What a perfect way to end Valentines Day!

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (he/him/his) (@jessetyler) February 15, 2014

Never underestimate the courage it takes to be yourself. Giant hugs to @EllenPage

— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) February 15, 2014

Ellen herself took to Twitter to thank everyone for their kind messages. She wrote:

Thank you @HRC and everyone for all the love and support. X

— Elliot Page (@TheElliotPage) February 15, 2014