Let's hear it for Elliot Page! If that name is new to you, that's because the Juno star
just revealed some big news: Page is transgender and non-binary, and he uses the first name
Elliot as well as "he" and "they" pronouns.
Page first rose to fame for their role in 2007's Juno, playing a pregnant teenager.
As the actor got older, they went on to appear in 2009's Whip It, 2010's Inception, and 2014's
X-Men: Days of Future Past. The popular performer also has a starring role in Netflix's superhero-based
series The Umbrella Academy. Page has also made headlines for a range of experiences,
such as marrying girlfriend Emma Portner, calling out sexual harassment in the industry,
and being the victim of death threats.
This time around, the news that Page has shared with fans is certainly a reason to celebrate.
And yet, Page also shared some sad truths about the situation.
Elliot Page took to Twitter on Dec. 1, 2020 to share the announcement with fans. After
greeting his followers, the star wrote, "I want to share with you that I am trans, my
pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot." Page added that he felt "lucky to be writing
this" and "to have arrived at this place in my life."
Page continued: "I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported
me along this journey, I can't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who
I am enough to pursue my authentic self."
However, there was also another side to the message. He added, "I also ask for patience,
my joy is real, but it is also fragile." Page explained that while he's "profoundly happy,"
he's "also scared" of hate, jokes, invasiveness, and violence. While not wanting to "dampen
the moment," he pointed out that the "statistics are staggering" when it comes to anti-trans
discrimination.
After calling out "political leaders who work to criminalize trans health care and deny
our right to exist" and "those with a massive platform who continue to spew hostility towards
the trans community," Page told his followers: "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."
Elliot Page may have been feeling both luck and gratitude — as well as fear — after
coming out as transgender, but fans were excited about the news. In fact, they were eager to
take to Twitter to respond with their full support.
One appreciative person tweeted: "This is a deeply moving statement, and I know so many
of us feel so d*** lucky that we get to bear witness to your authenticity," After thanking
Page "for being you," the Twitter user added that, "moreover, thank you for centering trans
and non-binary people who are most vulnerable in this moment."
Many were thrilled to find out about "this absolutely amazing news" and were "wishing
[Page] happiness and joy." One follower on the social media platform responded to Page's
message by writing, "Thank you for your bravery in embracing your full self, Elliot. Know
you are loved and that you're coming out is saving lives."
Although the reaction from fans was heartwarming, online followers weren't the only ones to
express their support for Page.
If you want something to put a smile on your face, look at the way that Elliot Page's fans
reacted to the news that he had come out as transgender and how other celebrities responded.
The Good Place star Jameela Jamil wrote along with a heart emoji, "Big congratulations to
Elliot. This is amazing. It's going to mean so much to so many people in the world." Queer
Eye's Jonathan Van Ness — who identifies as non-binary — also shared a heart emoji
on Twitter in support of Page, while Orange Is the New Black star Natasha Lyonne opted
for a trio of love-filled symbols.
Netflix, which is behind Page's series The Umbrella Academy, also responded with support,
tweeting, "So proud of our superhero! WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT! Can't wait to see you return in
season 3!" The show's account also shared the same sentiment, and Page's castmate, David
Castañeda, posted a "yes" with a couple of shining stars.
Director James Gun tweeted, "Elliot, I love you, am proud of you, and admire you. Please
keep being a beacon of courage, compassion, and strength for all of us."
Writer and transgender activist Raquel Willis wrote, "Your heart has always been big and
you've used your platform to show up for the entire community for years. Thanks for the
gift of your truth!"
In response, Page tweeted, "Thank you so much! I'm so inspired by you."
"I'm so inspired by you" is surely something Page will also be hearing for years to come.
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