Elliot Page walked the Red Carpet and presented at the Oscars on Sunday. He was a part of the Juno tribute with Jennifer Garner and J.K. Simmons. It was a powerful moment for the transgender community because Elliot made Juno before he transitioned. Sunday, he stood triumphantly before Hollywood on their biggest night. Except, as Elliot knows, he’s in a unique position that allowed that journey to happen and be accepted as it did. During Trans Week of Visibility and Action, Elliot acknowledged that his privilege and resources afforded him to get where he is and saved his life, “unequivocally.”
Elliot Page is opening up about the freedom he’s felt since coming out as transgender in 2020.
To commemorate Trans Week of Visibility and Action, the Umbrella Academy star sat down on Instagram Live with trans activists Raquel Willis and the American Civil Liberty Union’s Chase Strangio to discuss the importance of community building, elevating trans joy and combating misinformation in the media.
“I feel the best I’ve ever felt like, like, I feel the way that I really never thought was possible,” Page said.
“I know the challenges I’ve gone through and I know how difficult it has been for me,” he continued. “The enormous amount of privilege, the enormous amount of resources I’ve had absolutely, unequivocally saved my life — from therapy to my surgery, and so many things between.” Page acknowledged that those resources are “so inaccessible for so many [trans] people.”
But having the access, he added, allowed him to tap into the “trans joy” he always knew was possible.
Of all the trans people I’ve known, no matter how close or casual our acquaintance, their demeanor was markedly different after their transition. It was as if someone had removed a core of sadness from within them. I have to believe people who argue against trans folks have never met any because it’s clear once they transition how much better their mental state is as a result. The fact that we are not only denying them the resources to get there, but actively fighting for them to be able to discuss their journey is cruel and inhumane. Elliot spoke of how difficult it was for him and he was widely embraced. Plus, as he said, he had the money to receive therapy and didn’t have to wait on surgeries until he’d saved up for them. So many never fully live their truth because they can’t afford what it takes to get there.
Elliot has played Vanya Hargreeves on Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy since the show premiered. Vanya is a pivotal character in the series. When Elliot transitioned, it was announced he would remain in the role of Vanya, but the role would remain a woman. Tuesday, both Elliot and Netflix announced this:
Welcome to the family, Viktor — we’re so happy you’re here ❤️ https://t.co/hQwD4Vvlkd
— Netflix (@netflix) March 29, 2022
Do yourself a favor and do NOT read the replies to that tweet. My gawd. And like Elliot said, he’s had it “easier” than most.
Today, March 31st, is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
-
- – Los Angeles, USA -20220327-The 94th Academy Awards-Arrivals -PICTURED: Elliot Page -PHOTO by: Abby Grant/Cover Images/INSTARimages.com -Elliot Page_5438.jpg This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Instar Images LLC for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Instar Images LLC reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
-
- North America Rights Only – Los Angeles, USA -20220327- Vanity Fair Oscar Dinner held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California -PICTURED: Elliot Page -PHOTO by: INSTARimages.com Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
-
- Elliot Page attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones celebrating the 94th annual Academy Awards at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California,Image: 673587611, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Pictured: Elliot Page, Credit line: – / JPI Studios / Avalon
-
- The Umbrella Academy. (L to R) Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves, Elliot Page, Tom Hopper as Luther Hargreeves, Aidan Gallagher as Number Five, David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves, Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves in episode 301 of The Umbrella Academy. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022
Photo credit: InStar Images, Avalon Red, Netflix and via Twitter
Thank you so much for this lovely post today.
I really appreciate how steadfast Elliot is in always acknowledging his privilege. He does seem so happy now, and I’m happy for him.
Thank you for posting this and recognizing TDOV! I am so glad Elliot is here, happy, and using his privilege to lift up his community. Bravo!
I’m glad Elliot is talking about trans joy. People need to understand how fundamental transitioning is to happiness.
So far I have only known one person before and after their transition and what you say about their demeanour changing is absolutely correct in their case, from the first time we had a chance to meet up post-transition she was such a different person, yes happier but it was more than that, she seemed fully herself.
I really struggle to understand anyone who can fight against people getting to live their lives as they see fit, it makes me so angry. Why cause so much pain and misery? How does someone else’s life actually affect you?
Elliot is a wonderful man and visibility and representation matter. Thanks for sharing this story.
I agree, I don’t understand why people expend so much energy worrying and fighting about how other people live their lives. And to the people who say “it’s a choice” (which, to be clear, I don’t believe it is) – so what? It’s always so weird to me when people argue that it’s a choice as a reason for being cruel to people who they don’t understand or accept.
He probably gets all kinds of twisted, exploitative stuff made up about him by violent, manipulative Family Values freaks just for speaking out against transphobia, even with his privilege. So glad that he’s found peace now.
So happy for Elliot!
It’s good to see Elliot being vocal about the privileges and (mental) problems people may encounter on their journey to be able to live their truths.
At the same time it’s both sad and rage-inducing to see so-called Christians trolling social media with their hateful and ignorant comments, needlessly trying to make other people’s lives miserable.
So happy to have Elliot’s voice on this issue.
Happy Trans Visibility Day and please protect trans lives at all cost.
Because I have a non-binary teenager, I know a lot of teens in our local trans community. The kids who get support at home are so, so much happier than the kids who don’t. It’s really that simple. Having the adults in your life call you by your chosen name and use the correct pronouns (or at least make a sincere effort to do so) is such a difference-maker.
Thank you so much for this post, particularly today!
The Christian taliban vibe in this country is out of control
So thrilled for Elliot, he looks incredible and so happy! I wish all trans people were able to access the same resources to have the smoothest transition possible.
Much love to all trans folk today and every day <3
I hope that Elliot is truly happy. He seemed so tortured the few years before his transition.
“It was as if someone had removed a core of sadness from within them.”
Absolutely true. I’ve known two guys over the past two years who identified as queer/bi who have since transitioned as trans women. Their demeanor is utterly different now.
Privilege is such an important part of any discussion around trans issues; glad to hear Elliot discussing it.
“Honk” for more coverage of trans celebs/issues, so we can contribute some small part towards normalizing the topics.
My son, who’s trans and has only recently started his journey, has often talked about how rare FTM/trans-male stories are shown. Trans representation as a whole needs to be improved, but a lot of the stories/characters being shown are trans women. It’s an important part of the human story — I just wish he saw “himself” more when trans experiences are shared. We’re both excited for the Viktor shift.
Juno is still one of my fav go to movies. It’s just so well done, I have always loved anything I ever saw that he was in previously, but always noticed his inner awkwardness.
I don’t see that in him any more, just pure contentment
I don’t know him and he doesn’t know Mr but I am just so happy to see him so happy.
Plus is IG thirst traps are hot 🔥 he could get it!
He’s looking so happy and handsome! Really happy for him and great to have such a good, visible example of trans excellence Both for trans and cisgender folks alike.
Yep, not going to wade into that comment section. Not today, not ever. He does look a lot happier and more comfortable these days. <3
I don’t comment often. “Honk.” More stories like this please.