wentworth-miller-gay.jpgWentworth Miller is telling the world he's proud to be a gay man in an open letter to Maria Averbakh, director of the St. Petersburg International Film Festival.

The former Prison Break star was invited to attend the film festival in Russia, but declined due to what he cites as the government's lack of respect for the LGBT community.

"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes," Wentworth wrote. "However, as a gay man, I must decline. I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.

In the letter, which was posted on the GLAAD site, Miller added that "if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice."

Last month the Russian government approved controversial new law which bans "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations around minors," including the public discussion of gay rights and relationships anywhere where children might hear.

"Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians: you are not alone," GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz said in a statement. "As people from across the globe continue to speak out against this horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law."