ABOVE: Elliot Page, photo via Page’s Facebook.
LGBTQ activist and actor Elliot Page, whose breakthrough role in “Juno” landed him an Oscar nomination in 2007, has revealed he is transgender.
Page currently stars on Netflix’s hit series “The Umbrella Academy,” which was recently renewed for a third season. He shared his truth via social media on Dec. 1.
“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot,” he wrote. “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.
“I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey,” he continued. “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.”
Page also asked for patience, calling his joy real but fragile. “The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared,” he wrote. “I’m scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the ‘jokes’ and of violence.”
He subsequently discussed the staggering reports that at least 40 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means in 2020, the majority of which were Black and Latinx transgender women. The star promised to continue using his platform to speak out for LGBTQ rights.
Page concluded by advising that he loves that he is trans and queer. “And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive,” he wrote. “To all the trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse, and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you, and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”
Read Page’s full commentary below:
“Elliot Page has given us fantastic characters on-screen and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people,” GLAAD Director of Transgender Media Nick Adams shared in a statement. “He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people. All transgender people deserve the chance to be ourselves and to be accepted for who we are. We celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page today.”
