Award-winning Canadian actor Elliot Page has come out as transgender in moving Instagram post.
In the heartfelt post, Elliot Page expressed his immense gratitude to have finally come to this point in his journey and that he felt “lucky” to be able to share his message.
The 33-year-old Juno star shared that he identifies with he/they pronouns and has officially changed his name to Elliot.
“I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey,” Page wrote. “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.”
Page’s wife, Emma Portner, re-shared the actor’s announcement in a supportive post, saying that she is “so proud” of him. “Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world,” Portner, 26, added in the caption. “I also ask for patience and privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day. Elliot’s existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much.”
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For years, Page has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and used the announcement to shine a light on the horrific realities that still face the transgender community. “The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences,” he posted. “In 2020 alone is has been reported that at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women.”
“To criminalise trans health care and deny our right to exist and to all of those with a massive platform who continue to spew hostility towards the trans community: you have blood on your hands.”
According to Variety, GLAAD’s Director of Transgender Media Nick Adams said that Page “will be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people.” Friends, fans, and peers have also taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, with stars like Miley Cyrus and Anna Kendrick showing their support.
“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,” Anna Kendrick tweeted.
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 ended his post on a loving note, expressing his solidarity and commitment in fighting for LGBQTI+ justice:
“I love that I am trans. And I love that I am 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. 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.”
