The Juno actress took to the stage during a conference in Las Vegas on Friday to announce she is gay.

Fans and fellow celebrities around the world have taken to social networking sites to congratulate the star on her bravery and the 26-year-old has used Twitter to thank them.

"Just wanted to take a moment to say how moved I am by all the support. I feel profoundly grateful right now. xxxx (sic)," she posted.

The conference at Bally's hotel and casino addressed educators and counsellors who work with gay youth.

During her speech, Ellen movingly admitted she was "tired of hiding and... tired of lying by omission".

Among those showing support for the star was singer Pink, who has openly campaigned for LGBT rights in the past.

"what a beautiful speech. Tears (sic)," she tweeted.

Ricky Martin came out in 2009 and was in a relationship with Carlos González Abella until January this year.

He also took to the social networking site to offer his view on Ellen's news.

"Very beautiful Ellen Page!!! IM very happy for you!!! You are free! (sic)" he wrote.

Will & Grace star Debra Messing added: "Ellen Page shares her Truth with the world. A beautiful thing xxx (sic)"

In the past, Ellen had been linked to her The East co-star Alexander Skarsgård after the film's director tweeted a picture of the two friends cuddled up together.

“I suffered for years because I was scared to be out,” she revealed on Friday. “My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain.”