Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto has admitted to the world: he is a proud gay man. Now what?

Now the former Heroes star is excited to take part in an important discussion on the topic of sexuality in America and around the world.

"I'm just grateful to be able to participate in conversations more authentically now and to be able to stand up on behalf of people that aren't quite ready to stand up on their own and give them whatever shred of light or hope in a real sea of darkness," Quinto told E! News at the NYC premiere of Margin Call this week.

He added: "It's a gift that I've been given to pass forward, and it's an honor. And with honor comes responsibility and challenge, and I've just done what I can to face it every step of the way."

[Photo: WENN.com]

It's long been suspected, but former Heroes star Zachary Quinto made the announcement this week: he's gay.

Coming off a performance on stage in Angels in America - playing a character who abandons his AIDS-stricken boyfriend - Quinto spoke to New York Magazine this week and said the off-Broadway play was "the most challenging thing I've ever done as an actor, and the most rewarding," adding:

"At the same time, as a gay man, it made me feel like there's still so much work to be done, and there's still so many things that need to be looked at and addressed."

Quinto will next be seen on the FX drama American Horror Story.

[Photo: WENN.com]