'Juno' star Elliot Page comes out as trans
Oscar-nominated actor Elliot Page revealed in a lengthy statement shared to social media on Tuesday that he is trans. Page, who starred in the 2007 film "Juno," uses the pronouns he/they.
The "Umbrella Academy" actor, who came out as gay in 2014, thanked loved ones for their support and the trans community for "your courage, your generosity, and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place."
"I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life," Page wrote. "I can't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self."
But despite feeling "profoundly happy right now," Page, 33, also stated that he is afraid of "the invasiveness, the hate, the 'jokes' and of the violence" that he could face in light of his announcement.
Citing a statistic from the Human Rights Campaign that at least 40 transgender people have been murdered this year, he added that certain political leaders and public figures "have blood on [their] hands" for unleashing "a fury of vile and demeaning rage that lands on the shoulders of the trans community." Page promised to be a staunch advocate and stated to his detractors: "We won't be silent in the face of your attacks."
"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," 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."
Hundreds of thousands of people liked Page's post, and his wife, dancer Emma Portner, reposted his statement on her own account.
"I am so proud of @elliotpage. Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world," she wrote. "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."
