Wentworth Miller has come out of the closet as a gay man -- and for a noble cause.

The former 'Prison Break' star and 'Stoker' screenwriter was invited to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival, which he declined in a beautifully worded, firm letter.

After thanking the festival coordinators for the invitation, Miller said, "However, as a gay man, I must decline."

This was the first public acknowledgement of Miller's sexuality; he'd previously been rumored to be gay but never commented nor confirmed.

He continued, "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."

Miller did, however, leave it up to the Russian government to possibly change his mind someday -- by changing theirs. "Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice."

Kudos to Miller and to GLAAD -- of which he's proud to be a member -- for coming forward proudly. Let your flag fly!

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