Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black has called President Barack Obama brave for coming out in support of gay marriage.

The 37-year-old Black, who won an Academy Award for the 2008 film Milk, told male gay entertainment website AfterElton.com that he felt the president was looking to be to the right of several prominent Republicans who had come out for marriage equality.

“He's starting to look behind the Dick Cheneys, the Laura Bushes, the Ken Mehlmans, the Ted Olsons and everyone around him seemed to be coming out for equality, so I actually give him more credit than that. I think it was the right thing to do, and I think it was very brave of him,” Black said.

Black also nudged Obama on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“It's one of the biggest pieces … Without ENDA it just empowers the bullies. So I'll say I look forward to his work on that, and I do know he's dedicated to that. I'll push a little. I'll say thank you … and then I'll present the next thing I would love for him to focus on,” Black said of what he would like to tell the president.