Joe Manganiello: ‘Gay equality shouldn’t just be a dream’
By Sam Rigby
Magic Mike
actor Joe Manganiello has been awarded the Ally for Equality Award at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Seattle.
The 37-year-old said that watching his LGBT friends “endure challenges not experienced by the straight community” inspired him to voice his support.
He explained: “I never set out to be an advocate. I’m simply a person who believes in equality for everyone and I’m a person who believes in standing up for his friends.
“I’ve never had to suffer any of those difficulties myself, but somewhere along the way I decided to open my big mouth and use my platform to fight for all of the people to feel free to be who they are no matter where they are, and be able to share their life and love with whomever their heart sees fit to love.
“I choose to fight for a world where equality is a reality, not just a dream,” he added.
Manganiello is currently filming Magic Mike XXL alongside Channing Tatum and Matt Bomer. The film is due for release in summer 2015.
Watch Manganiello accepting his award below:
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