Canadian actor Elliot Page announced on social media that he is transgender.
The 33 year old Oscar nominee and ‘The Umbrella Academy’ star posted a lengthy statement which said:
“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. 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. 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.” Page added, “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.”
In February 2019, Page opened up about the pressure to hide his sexuality when he started working as an actor in Hollywood.
Last year Page tied the knot with dancer Emma Portner who was quick to shut down critics questioning her sexuality and showed full support of husband Elliot’s decision on coming out as transgender.
“I am so proud of Elliot Page,” Portner wrote. “Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world. I also ask for patience and privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day.” She added, “I hope you know my sexual preferences and gender identity are none of your business. Release your labels of me. I am as fluid as can be.”
Netflix, the platform responsible for streaming “The Umbrella Academy”, was also quick to show their support. Just hours after Elliot came out as trans, Netflix edited the credits on all of his work to reflect his proper name.
In regards to his role as Vanya Hargreeves, a cisgender woman whose superpower involves unleashing force through the use of sound, on the hit Netflix show “The Umbrella Academy”. There will be no plans to change the characters gender.
