WATCH: Ellen Page Chats With Colbert About Freeheld, Coming Out, and Progress in the LGBT Community

Ellen Page stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, and amidst the relaxing tone and jokes about Canadian geography, she also had some pretty serious personal truths to share. Ellen was on the show to promote Freeheld - the true story of lesbian partners Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree fighting for equality after Laurel is diagnosed with cancer - and didn't miss the opportunity to discuss the impact these women had on LGBT history. When Colbert and Ellen pointed out that the film's events take place only ten years ago, Ellen eloquently explained why she believes LGBT progress took a substantial turn over the last few years. 

"I think, for the most part, LGBT people started becoming more visible...The more people started living their lives, the more we’ve had films about it on television, etc, incredible activists like Laurel and Stacie - it really changes minds. It touches people’s hearts and makes it shift from seeing something as ‘other’ or ‘different’ and of course realizes we’re all the same and all we’re asking for is equality and to grow up in a society that makes us feel ‘less than’ or doesn’t make us shame, and doesn’t make us have to deal with the repercussions of that, which are really destructive.” 

During the six minute interview, the two also touched on religious liberty, Ellen's decision to come out publicly last year, and the Vanguard Award she'll be given by the Human Rights Campaign this weekend. Watch it right here:

Ellen's Freeheld co-star Julianne Moore is also currently making the promotional rounds and recently stopped by Good Morning America to discuss the film with Robin Roberts. You can watch that interview here, and keep an eye out for more from this inspiring ladies throughout the week as we count down towards the release of Freeheld in select theaters October 2nd and nationwide on October 9th.  

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