“Prison Break” star Wenworth Miller comes out

Wentworth Miller, the star of tv’s “Prison Break” and screenwriter, has finally come out as gay, putting to rest years of speculation. But what prompted his coming out is inspiring. Miller had been invited to the St. Petersburg International film festival but publicly declined the offer in a letter to the festival stating that he could not “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 forwarded his letter to GLAAD, ensuring his bold statement would not be missed. GLAAD spokesman and actor Wilson Cruz said in a statement, “Wentworth’s bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone. 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.”

We all know it takes courage to come out and many an actor has been forced out thanks for the tabloids, so it’s refreshing that Miller chose to make his coming out a political statement for those gays not able to be out safely in their own country.