ACTOR WENTWORTH MILLER COMES OUT AS GAY

Wentworth Miller, the actor best known for starring in the US television series Prison Break, has come out publicly as a gay man.

Miller, also a successful screenwriter, was invited to be a guest of honor at the St. Petersburg International Film Festival.

He turned down the invitation and cited Russia's anti-gay laws as the reason.

'As a gay man, I must decline,' he wrote after thanking the festival for the invitation.

Miller said he has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and also claims a degree of Russian ancestry.

He wrote that while 'it would make me happy to say yes, I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government.'

He went on to write: '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.'

Miller concluded his letter by writing: 'Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice.'

Miller's letter was shared by GLAAD which applauded his words.

'Wentworth’s bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone,' said GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz.

'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.

SOURCE: GAYSTARNEWS