Colton Haynes Tears Up While Accepting LGBT Visibility Award

Actor Colton Haynes broke down during an emotional speech Saturday while accepting the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Visibility Award for living an authentic life as an openly gay man.

The 28-year-old “Teen Wolf” and “Arrow” star was visibly shaken when he was honored at the Aug. 27 gala in Seattle. “I have experienced a lot of ‘Wow’ moments in my life, but I think tonight is probably topping all of them,” he told the crowd. “One way I can express my gratitude is by telling you guys the truth about me.”

You can watch Haynes’ full speech in the video below, then scroll down to keep reading.

“My coming out was a bit splashy for many people,” he said. Still, he added, “It wasn’t very surprising for those who already knew me the best.”

He went on to note, “I never made a decision to be gay. That came just as naturally as the color of my eyes ... [but] it’s up to me to be honest and open with everyone.”

“Tonight I can actually be myself for the first time,” he said.

It was a high point in what’s been a monumental year for the actor, who opened up about his sexuality in a May interview with Entertainment Weekly after rampant media speculation.

It’s safe to say that newfound visibility has paid off. Haynes will return to television this fall on Fox’s “Scream Queens.” Then on Tuesday, it was announced that he’d also signed on for “Rock That Body,” a big screen comedy starring Scarlett Johansson.

So thrilled to see you living an authentic life, Colton. Just keep on doing you!