Ruby Rose couldn’t find anyone she could "relate" to when she was growing up.
The ‘Orange is the New Black’ star – who was raised by her single mother Katia Langenheim in Melbourne, Australia – was constantly looking for someone in the public eye she could connect with before she came out as gay at the age of 12.
She explained: "Growing up I always looked to the media, TV, film, arts and music to find someone I could relate to and there wasn’t really anybody. I always said that when I grew up, I want to be the person that wasn’t around when I needed them."
Although she wants to encourage her fans to be "unique" and carve out their own journey in life, the 30-year-old actress wants to persuade them to eliminate any "shame" they may be feeling prior to coming out and just accept that they’re perfect.
Speaking to whimn.com.au, she said when asked if she has any advice for people who are hiding their identity: "Be true to yourself. Believe in yourself. Whatever you think and feel, that’s you. There is only one of you in the world. We are all unique. Don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t have any kind of shame. There is a reason you are that way."
The brunette beauty has had a number of high-profile relationships over the years – including a short-lived romance with Phoebe Dahl – and recently rekindled things with The Veronicas singer Jess Origliasso following their split in 2008.
Ruby began dating Jess in November last year when they reconnected whilst filming the music video for Jess’ single ‘On Your Side’ and she has admitted that whilst they have their "ups and downs", she believes their relationship is "wonderful".
She said recently: "Everybody in life can relate to the fact that things can go amazingly and there can be ups and downs.
"Every single down is just to make you a stronger person or to make you fight for what you want. Everything really is wonderful. I am in such an amazing position."
Ruby Rose couldn’t ‘relate’ to anyone growing up
