Ian McKellen on LGBT community: 'The world needs us'

The world needs LGBT people, Ian McKellan says in a video celebrating London’s Pride Day.

The X-Men and Lord of the Rings actor teamed up with other celebrities, including talk show host Graham Norton, for a video encouraging people to celebrate in England’s capital on June 25.

In the clip, McKellen urges people to adopt a #nofilter philosophy to life and live honestly. The 77-year-old openly gay actor asks viewers to “live everyday like it was Pride in London.” Norton calls, “it’s time to be confident, passionate, creative, honest, true, and free.”

The message comes at a tragic time for the LGBT community after a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando left 50 dead, including the gunman, and dozens injured.

Many in Hollywood have expressed messages of support, including Beyoncé, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Adele.

London Pride begins June 18 and runs through June 26. Watch the full #nofilter London Pride Day video, above.