Ellen Page: I used to be depressed, hiding my sexuality

Ellen Page has said she struggled with depression and panic attacks before she came out as gay two years ago.

The Juno actress revealed in February 2014 that she was gay, in an emotional speech to GLAAD where she said she was ‘tired of lying by omission’ about her sexuality.

The star spoken in a new interview with Elle, saying: “When you’re on that track you’re a racehorse, going and going with these blinders on. You don’t stop to address how you feel.

“I’d get panic attacks and sense an incredible discomfort because I didn’t relate to the conformity that comes with my gender [such as wearing feminine dresses on shoots].

“I was doing something I love and also wondering, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ You hate yourself for feeling bad, so you pretend you’re happy.

“I’d ask myself, ‘Can’t you just flip a switch, be a character, play the game?’”

The 28-year-old has now said she is much more relaxed since she came out.

She added: “I do interviews [now] with a sense of, ‘Oh, this is what it’s like’.

“A photo shoot used to only represent discomfort, I felt guilty for lying. Fashion once meant dresses and heels, and I didn’t know why I’d want to be dressed that way.”

The actor turned LGBT advocate earlier this month urged fellow Hollywood stars who may be in the closet to be honest about their sexual orientation.

The Juno star – who recently finished filming a new documentary exploring homophobia around the world – said she hopes that one day “coming out” is no longer an issue.

The Oscar-nominated star recently accused Hollywood of double standards against gay and lesbian actors.

• Dec 01 2023

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