'Umbrella Academy' Star Elliot Page Comes Out As Transgender
Nice to meet you, Elliot!
On Tuesday, the beloved Umbrella Academy actor and longtime LGBTQAI+ icon, Elliot Page, came out as transgender and non-binary, sharing a heartfelt letter about embracing his identity and the politics of gender and sexuality to his social platforms.
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"Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they, and my name is Elliot," Page wrote in a statement posted to his Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages. "I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived in this place in my life."
The actor, who first garnered widespread fame after portraying the titular character in the 2007 indie classic, Juno, then took a moment to express his gratitude for his support system.
"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." Page, who has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, proceeded to thank members of the trans community for their dedication to inclusivity. "I've been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community," he said. "Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society."
Page then requested patience, explaining that although his "joy is real" and "also fragile. "The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared. I'm scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the 'jokes' and of violence."
Page's fears are not unfounded. Research shows that transgender people are at disproportionate risk for violent acts, including "shockingly high levels of sexual abuse and assault," and police brutality, with one study showing that young transgender women of color are more likely to be murdered. "The statistics are staggering," he continued. "The discrimination toward trans people is rife, insidious, and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences. In 2020 alone, it has been reported that at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women. To the political leaders who work to criminalize trans health care and deny our right to exist and to all of those with a massive platform who continue to spew hostility toward the trans community: you have blood on your hands. You unleash a fury of vile and demeaning rage that lands on the shoulders of the trans community, a community in which 40% of trans adults report attempting suicide. Enough is enough. You aren't being 'canceled,' you are hurting people. I am one of those people and we won't be silent in the face of your attacks."
The Inception star ended his post with an uplifting message to other trans people. "I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer," he wrote. "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."
Since his powerful statement, fans and fellow celebs flocked to social media to show their support. "Elliot, I love you, am proud of you, and admire you," Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn replied to Page's post. "Please keep being a beacon of courage, compassion, and strength for all of us."
"So proud of our superhero! WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT! Can't wait to see you return in season 3!," wrote Netflix's official account alongside a violin and heart emoji, seemingly implying Page would reprise his role as Vanya in The Umbrella Academy.
Meanwhile, other celebrities took to Instagram to share their well-wishes.
"Elliot rules!" Miley Cyrus commented on his post.
"Love you beyond," added Ian Daniel, director/co-producer of There's Something In The Water. "Grateful for the honesty, care, and light you bring to this world."
So, Elliot, if you're reading this, thank you for consistently standing up for the LGBTQAI+ community and congratulations on bravely sharing your truth. As Twitter user @musomoon so aptly put it ...
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