Zachary Quinto's conscience made him speak up.
The Margin Call actor came out as a gay man in a new interview with New York Magazine, but it was the tragic suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer in September that made him realize he needed to discuss his sexuality.
"In light of Jamey's death, it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality," Quinto, 34, wrote on his personal blog Sunday.
"Our society needs to recognize the unstoppable momentum toward unequivocal civil equality for every gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered citizen of this country," he explained. "Gay kids need to stop killing themselves because they are made to feel worthless by cruel and relentless bullying. Parents need to teach their children principles of respect and acceptance."
"Jamey Rodemeyer's life changed mine," the Star Trek actor said. "And while his death only makes me wish that I had done this sooner, I am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me. Now I can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world."
