Watch Colton Haynes Deliver A Profoundly Moving Speech About Love & Acceptance

“We have to listen to our own voices and our own hearts – that’s when we become the best people”

As Roy on The CW’s Arrow, Colton Haynes transformed into a superhero. But now, he’s saving lives IRL, too.

Just a few months ago, Colton bravely revealed that he was gay. He’d known this since he was in first grade, but after moving to Hollywood to pursue an acting career, his then-manager told him he had to keep his sexuality a secret. Not knowing any better, Colton listened to him, and dealt with depression and debilitating anxiety. But over the years, he found the courage to be true to himself.

Last night, Colton received the Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign and delivered one of the most beautiful speeches we’ve ever seen. “I never made a decision to be gay,” he explained. “That came as naturally as the color of my eyes. We have to listen to our own voices and our own hearts and that’s when we become the best people.”

Watch the profoundly moving speech in its entirely below: