It’s a big day for Elliot Page.
The Umbrella Academy star took to Twitter this Tuesday, December 1, to issue an important announcement: Page is trans, and he now uses he/they pronouns and goes by the name Elliot. In his statement, the 33-year-old actor, who is married to Canadian choreographer Emma Portner, thanked all of the “incredible people” who supported him throughout his coming-out journey.
“I can’t even begin express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self,” Page wrote to his 1.5 million Twitter followers. “I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community.”
— Elliot Page (@TheElliotPage) December 1, 2020
Although his joy “is real,” Page admitted that it is also “fragile,” and he does fear the prospect of navigating the world as a trans person. He noted the high rates of hate-motivated violence that plague America’s transgender community, particularly Black and brown trans women. “I’m scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the ’jokes,’ and of violence,” he continued. “To be clear, I am not trying to dampen a moment that is joyous and one that I celebrate, but I want to address the full picture.”
The actor also called upon anti-transgender politicians to understand how denying trans people health care or “the right to exist” is harmful.
“I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer,” Page concluded. “To all the trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse, and [threats] of violence every day: I see you, I love you, and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”
Congratulations, Elliot, and thank you for sharing your story.
