Elliot Page was honored as one of Time’s 100 summit attendees this week in New York City. Taking the stage, he delivered a heartfelt speech, courageously sharing his transition journey and coming out as transgender. His words resonated, inspiring empathy. Yet, the event’s impact extended online, triggering diverse reactions.
At 37, the Juno star exuded chic in a black button-down shirt and matching pants as he took the stage, brimming with enthusiasm. Ready to unveil his transgender journey, he shared a story of discovering hope within.
Three years have passed since The Umbrella Academy actor courageously disclosed his identity as a transgender man. It was Steve Blackman, the showrunner, who played a crucial role in Page’s coming out journey.
“I called him nervously, and he was incredible. “If anything, he was the one who was very insistent on immediately having it be a part of the show and supported me to be able to access the care I was hoping to get at that time,“ Elliot Page told Time, recalling Blackman’s unwavering support and immediate inclusion of his transition storyline in the show.
Collaborating with Page and the writers, Blackman seamlessly integrated a gender transition narrative into The Umbrella Academy.
Elliot Page underscored Hollywood’s lack of trans representation but expressed optimism about exploring diverse roles post-transition. “To get to start from the foundation of just being there is so thrilling,“ the actor reflected, eager for the creative journey ahead.
Despite facing challenges, Elliot Page finds solace in writing and support from his community. “So much of my mind had been occupied by unhealthy, toxic thinking, and now I have the space where my consciousness is just, like, flowing,“ he reflects on his writing journey.
Once plagued by panic attacks hiding his identity, Elliot Page now embraces authenticity and community. “Hope for me is for those who continuously resist and support each other,“ he affirms.
Many of Page’s Instagram followers were deeply moved by his heartfelt words, offering praise and congratulations. Comments flooded in, such as “Oh wow! Congratulations! Lookin’ handsome up there,“ and “So well deserved!! Thank you for being more than just a voice for the community. You are action.”
However, the event stirred some negative reactions on the Time Instagram page. One follower expressed, “Why can’t everyone just go to work, come home, have some fun, have a family? Why are people trying to make happiness so dependent on the community? Self-fulfillment is where it’s at. Go build something for yourself and your kids. Build a family. Become a grandparent. And love the country that lets you do it.”
Another commenter added, “I’m sorry but there’s so many more pressing issues in the world, like how 26% of the world doesn’t have access to clean drinking water… Now that’s a real-world issue affecting 2 billion people.”
At an earlier point, Elliot Page revealed that he recognized his true gender identity by the age of 4. “That sensation is one of my earliest and clearest memories,” he confessed.
