Why Wentworth Miller Revealed He’s Gay

 

Wentworth Miller (Chelsea Lauren)Wentworth Miller is not staying silent.

The "Prison Break" star, 41, has revealed that he's gay as an indirect response to Russia's anti-gay laws.

Russia passed a law last month that prohibits the public discussion of gay rights and relationships anywhere where children can hear it. In June, the country adopted a law that bars the adoption of Russian children by same-sex couples and couples who reside in a country that has LGBT acceptance policies.

When Miller was invited to be guest of honor at the upcoming St. Petersburg International Film Festival, he wrote a letter, which was posted on the GLAAD website, explaining exactly why he wouldn't attend.

"Thank you for your kind invitation," he began his letter to the festival's director, Maria Averbakh. "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. 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, I'll be free to make a different choice."

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Miley Cyrus, and other big names in Hollywood have long championed LGBT rights stateside. Do you think they'll continue to travel to the country to promote their projects?

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