Matt Bomer has dodged rumors about his sexual orientation for years, but on Saturday, the White Collar star came out publicly at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards.

The 34-year-old was honored with the New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry," Bomer told the crowd. "Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment."

Bomer's partner is Slate PR publicist Simon Halls, who represents Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy and How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris.

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In January 2010, Details magazine asked Bomer if he paid attention to rumors regarding his sexual orientation. "I don't care about that at all," he responded. "I'm completely happy and fulfilled in my personal life."

"I have a network and a show riding on my shoulders. I would say a big difference between my character and me is that I can be too trusting. And I've realized in this business, that's not necessarily the smartest thing to be," Bomer added. "I definitely have a thing or two to learn from the con artists."

Bomer will next appear opposite Mark Ruffalo and Alec Baldwin in Larry Kramer's upcoming HIV/AIDS drama The Normal Heart. He is also part of the male stripper movie Magic Mike, costarring Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer.

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