Wentworth Millerʼs complete speech - His coming out (sub eng)

Summary

In this heartfelt speech, the speaker reflects on their journey from a life of survival and isolation to embracing the power of community. Initially hesitant to accept the concept of 'community' due to their mixed-race background and being gay, they recount their struggles with identity and the fear of coming out publicly. The speaker's life took a turn when joining a men's group, which introduced them to the idea of brotherhood and community. Through this, they became an advocate for the Human Rights Campaign and used their platform to support LGBT rights, particularly in Russia. The speech emphasizes the importance of community and the message of hope and support for those who feel alone, encouraging the audience to continue spreading this message globally.

Takeaways

• 🙌 The speaker expresses gratitude to the Human Rights Campaign for their significant global impact on human rights.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The speaker acknowledges their complicated relationship with the concept of 'community' and their journey towards embracing it.
• 🌈 The speaker identifies as a mixed-race, gay individual who has faced challenges in feeling a part of a larger community.
• 🌍 The speaker discusses their international career and the opportunities they had to publicly come out as gay but chose not to, prioritizing career over personal truth.
• 😔 The speaker shares their internal struggle with fear, anger, and resistance when considering the impact of coming out on their career.
• 💔 The speaker reflects on their childhood and the feeling of being alone, different, and the first attempt at suicide at the age of 15.
• 🔑 The speaker talks about the importance of the word 'us' and 'we' and the realization that they were not alone in their struggles.
• 🤝 In 2012, the speaker joined a men's group, the Mankind Project, which introduced them to the concepts of brotherhood, sisterhood, and community.
• 📝 The speaker shares their decision to decline an invitation to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival and the importance of using their voice to support the LGBT community.
• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of sending a message of support and love to those who feel alone, targeted, or different, highlighting the power of community.

Q & A

What is the speaker's relationship with the word 'community'?

The speaker has had a complicated relationship with the word 'community', being slow to embrace it and hesitant due to their mixed-race background, being gay, and not being born in the country where they grew up.

Why did the speaker initially struggle to see themselves as part of a larger community?

The speaker struggled because they grew up in survival mode, focusing on getting through each day without considering concepts like community or belonging.

What was the speaker's experience like growing up?

The speaker grew up feeling different and alone, being a target for various reasons such as the way they spoke, stood, or held their wrist, which led to emotional, psychological, and physical consequences.

At what age did the speaker first attempt suicide?

The speaker first attempted suicide at the age of 15.

What was the speaker's professional status at the age of 33?

At 33, the speaker was working on a successful TV show that was popular not only in the United States but also abroad.

Why did the speaker choose not to publicly come out as gay during their professional career?

The speaker chose not to publicly come out due to fear of how it might impact their career and personal life, as well as a stubborn resistance built up over the years.

What changed for the speaker in 2011 that led them to reconsider their beliefs and priorities?

In 2011, the speaker decided to walk away from acting and many of the things they previously believed were important, which led to a reevaluation of their values and priorities.

What organization did the speaker join in 2012 that introduced them to new concepts of community and brotherhood?

The speaker joined a men's group called the Mankind Project in 2012.

How did the speaker's involvement with the Mankind Project lead to their support for the Human Rights Campaign?

The speaker's involvement with the Mankind Project introduced them to the concepts of community and brotherhood, which in turn led them to become a member and proud supporter of the Human Rights Campaign.

What action did the speaker take in response to an invitation from the St. Petersburg International Film Festival?

The speaker drafted a letter declining the invitation from the St. Petersburg International Film Festival, choosing to speak their truth and integrate their story into a larger narrative.

What message does the speaker hope to send to others who might be feeling alone or targeted?

The speaker hopes to send a message of support and love, letting others know that there is an 'us' and 'we', and that they are not alone.