Oscar nominee Elliot Page, formerly known as Ellen Page, has come out as transgender. The 33-year-old Oscar nominee and star of the film Juno, penned a lengthy and heartfelt note on social media. While Elliot voiced joy while sharing the news, there was also worry over a possible backlash. In a landmark move, the actor thanked supporters in the trans community.
Penning a heartfelt note that was shared on social media, Elliot wrote, "Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot. I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life." He continued by saying he has "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. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. 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," he added.
Stating that the joy of penning the note is real but fragile. He added that he is scared of the jokes and invasiveness. "I also ask for patience. My joy is real, but it is 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 invasiveness, the hate, the “jokes” and of violence," Elliot stated.
"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. The statistics are staggering. The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences," Elliot mentioned.
In the note, Elliot said, "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 towards the trans community: you have blood on your hands. You unleash a fury 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 "cancelled," you are hurting people. I am one of those people and we won’t be silent in the face of your attacks."
Despite the fear, Elliot shared, "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 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 signed off by writing, "Thank you for reading this. All my love, Elliot."
Elliot's wife Emma Portner shared his statement on her Instagram account and wrote, "I am so proud of @elliotpage. Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world. I also ask for patience & 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."
(Source: Instagram)
