Wentworth Miller took a stand -- and a big step -- on
Wednesday, Aug. 21, when he came out as gay in a letter to the
organizers of the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia.
Citing the country's headline-making anti-LGBT legislation, the
41-year-old Prison Break star said he could not "in good conscience" attend an event in a place that would promote such discrimination.
"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting
Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it
would make me happy to say yes," he wrote in the letter, posted to
GLAAD's website. "However, as a gay man, I must decline."
"I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of
gay men and women by the Russian government," he continued. "The
situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience
participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people
like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live
and love openly."
"Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve," he added, "I'll be free to make a different choice. Until then."
"Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT
Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not
alone," GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz said in a statement after the
letter was posted. "As people from across the globe continue to speak
out against Russia's horrific law, more celebrities and corporations
should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's
anti-LGBT law."
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