Wentworth Miller is best known as the actor from Prison Break, but as of Wednesday, he became the man who stood up against Russia, boycotting the country because as a "gay man" he is troubled by their current civil rights issues.
Yes, after years of media speculating about his sexual identity, Miller, 41, has officially "come out" as a gay man in a letter posted on GLAAD's official website.
Outrage about Russia's civil rights have caused protests and some are asking for people to boycott the upcoming Olympics. However, President Barack Obama has said boycotting would be unfair to the athletes who've trained for years to make it to the Olympics, as they have no control over Russia's current state.
"One of the things I'm really looking forward to is maybe some gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze, which I think would go a long way in rejecting the kinds of attitudes that we're seeing here," Obama told USA Today. "If Russia doesn't have gay or lesbian athletes, then that would probably make their team weaker."
Miller further ignited the flames with his letter. Check it out 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
