Canadian actor and producer Elliot Page, known for his roles in X-Men, Inception, Juno, and most recently in the hit Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, has announced that he is transgender and that his pronouns are “he/they."
The Halifax native took to Instagram and Twitter on Tuesday with a heartfelt letter in which he said he considered himself “lucky” to embrace “his authentic self” in the face of heightened discrimination and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community.
“I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life,” the powerful statement read.
Page’s post didn’t just serve the purpose of making his announcement, but also shed light on some of the key issues faced by trans and non-binary people, and asked world leaders to step up for equality.
— Elliot Page (@TheElliotPage) December 1, 2020
“I am not trying to dampen a moment that is joyous and one that I celebrate, but I also want to address the full picture,” the 33-year old wrote, citing astonishing 2020 figures from the Human Rights Campaign, and stressing that Black and Latinx communities are disproportionately affected by anti-trans violence. “The statistics are staggering. The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious, and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences.”
Page, who came out as gay in 2014 and married choreographer Emma Portner four years later, is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ people.
In his letter, the actor said he was “grateful” for the support of the LGBTQ+ community, which flooded Twitter with words of love following the announcement.
.@TheElliotPage has given us fantastic characters on-screen, and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people. Elliot will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people. We celebrate him. All trans people deserve to be accepted. https://t.co/Ba7HOBgU5Gpic.twitter.com/qFR1qG4H6q
— GLAAD (@glaad) December 1, 2020
“He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and nonbinary people,” GLAAD’s Transgender Media Director Nick Adams said in a statement, according to the New York Times. “All transgender people deserve the chance to be ourselves and to be accepted for who we are. We celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page today.”
These kind words were also echoed by countless influencers and prominent celebrities, including Natasha Lyonne, Jameela Jamil, Anna Kendrick, and James Charles.
Elliot Page’s words here are so beautiful and so eloquent, and he is reminding me that we can all be brave and joyful, even when things are scary. And this year especially, that reminder is such a GIFT. Sending them love/praise/gratitude/well-wishes etc etc etc etc ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/BX6DRXHzmz
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) December 1, 2020
Page’s statement, which came a few days after transgender actress Laverne Cox was violently attacked in the streets of Los Angeles, serves as a reminder of how far the world still has to go to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is protected from violence around the world.
In Canada, for instance, a recent study from Statistics Canada showed that transgender people experience higher levels of violent victimization than their heterosexuals counterparts. This type of violence often results in poor mental health, abuse, and self-harm, the study noted.
And while Page might not be able to solve these issues alone, the actor is determined to do his part.
“To all 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,” the actor concluded in his letter.