“My joy is real, but it is also fragile.”
The actor formerly known as Ellen Page has come out as trans, changing their name to Elliot.
They made the announcement with a moving statement on Twitter, saying “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.”
Page, most famous for their work in Hollywood blockbusters Juno and Inception, also drew attention to the bleak facts around anti-trans discrimination in modern society.
“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot,” the statement begins.
“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.”
— Elliot Page (@TheElliotPage) December 1, 2020
“I also ask for patience,” they continued.
“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 the invasiveness, the hate, the “jokes” and violence.
“The statistics are staggering. The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences. 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.”
Page finished his statement by saying: “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.
“Thank you for reading this. All my love, Elliot.”
