Teen Wolf/Arrow/Scream Queens heartthrob Colton Haynes was honored over the weekend by the HRC, and given the Visibility Award for his bravery in going public about his sexuality earlier this year and his advocacy on betalf the LGBT community since then.
“I have experienced a lot of ‘wow’ moments in my life, but I think tonight is probably topping all of them,” he said in his tearful speech. “I just want to thank all of you for letting me feel your love. I hope you feel mine. It’s taken me a long time to get here, so I hope you feel that.”
The actor, who has struggled with depression and anxiety, went on to say it was “extremely humbling” to receive the award, and pledged to set an example for future generations of LGBTQ youth.
“I don’t necessarily feel especially deserving of this recognition. We all know there are many other people who have come before me and blazed the trail as LGBT advocates and as role models. And I’m walking in their shoes and I’m following their lead. Instead I’ll accept this award as a promise. And this promise is simple and real. And I’m not making it to you. I’m making it to the next generations of lesbians and gay men, bisexuals, and transgender youth, and I hope my example will give them the confidence and hope to be who they are as well. And for them to conquer their own fears and hesitations. I want to give them just a little more courage to know that they’re loved just as they are.”
“I never made a decision to be gay,” he says. “That came just as naturally as the color of my eyes. But, however, it’s up to me to be honest and open with everyone. And that’s why I’m here tonight, and why it’s so special for me.”
He added:
“I’m asked to play so many roles as an actor. But tonight I can actually be myself for the first time. It feels incredible.”
Awww. He is one of the good guys, isn’t he?
Thk u @humanrightscampaign for the incredible honor last night. I couldn’t hold back the emotion. I dont feel especially deserving of this recognition. We all know there are many others who have come before me to blaze the trail as LGBT advocates & role models. I am walking in their shoes and following their lead. This is for all of my incredible fans & hope I can inspire y’all to be yourselves even though I hid for so long. ❤️<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/1f618.png" alt="