From here on out, call him Elliot Page instead of Ellen.
A coming out story is always inspiring and eventful so when Oscar-nominated “Juno” actor, star of “Umbrella Academy” Elliot Page told her social media followers that he was non-binary and transgender, it was a beacon of light.
During these trying times where homophobia is still rampant, this is a win for LGBTQIA+ community.
“I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot,” said Page. “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.”
Page, who is usually tight-lipped about her private life, openly shared their experience and expressed gratitude for all the love they are receiving. “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self,” they said.
They also shared that coming out to the public will be another journey. “I ask for patience,” Page admits. “My joy is real, but it is also fragile. The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right know and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared. I’m scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the ‘jokes’ and of the violence. 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.” They then go on to talk about how transgender people get attacked for being who they are and the continuous rise of trans people of color being murdered.
Elliot Page remains hopeful and confident in their identity and in the society. “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer,” they said.
GLAAD sent their support to Page. “Elliot Page has given us fantastic characters on-screen, and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people,” said Nick Adams who is GLAAD’s Director of Transgender Media. “He [They] 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.”
Throughout the years, Page has been an advocate for the queer community as well as for environmental issues. The haven’t been shy about sharing their feelings about Mike Pence and bravely came forward to expose Brett Ratner for verbally abusing and outing them on the set of “X-Men: The Last Stand.”
Read Page’s full statement below.