Formerly known as Ellen Page, Oscar-nominated actor Elliot Page, has revealed that he is transgender, writing how “remarkable” it feels to be his “authentic self,” according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The 33-year-old actor posted a message on social media, stating he felt “lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.”
“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 added.
Page earned widespread acclaim for Juno, a 2007 comedy-drama that chronicles a teenager’s unplanned pregnancy. His performance earned him nominations at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the BAFTA Awards.
He is also known for playing Vanya Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy, and other films, such as Inception and X-Men.
Page married Emma Portner, a Canadian professional dancer and choreographer, in 2018.
In his revelation, Page has asked for patience, stating his joy was real, but it was also “very fragile.”
“The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared,” he said. “I’m scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the ‘jokes’ and of 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,” he added.
Page, who has long been supporting LGBTQ rights, said he was inspired by the transgender community and thanked them for “ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place.”
“I love that I am trans,” Page wrote. “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,” he added. The article originally appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald.
