Yesterday, in confirming what millions of gay men had perceived, internationally acclaimed actor Wentworth Miller publicly confirmed that he is gay by publishing an open letter to the St. Petersburg (Russia) International Film Festival in which he declines their invitation to attend due to Russia's current anti-gay climate. Read about the story here: The Advocate. His letter (published on the GLAAD website) is below:
August 21, 2013
Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
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.
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. 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.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC, Member, GLAAD, Member, The ManKind Project
*****
Congratulations Wentworth!
"Fear Eats the Soul"
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