Attention, World: Introducing Elliot Page
February 9, 2021
The troubled seventh member in a family of supernatural children who struggle to decipher their outcast identities. The architecture student who suddenly finds her skills put to use in the world of dreams. The beguilingly talkative friend who swoops in and charms an unsuspecting man into abandoning a happy relationship for her.
Elliot Page has taken on a plethora of roles in his acting career, but it is only recently that he decided to introduce the world to a new role in his personal life as well.
Formerly known as Ellen Page, the actor has announced his transgender identity in a heartfelt Instagram post, where he established his new name (Elliot) and his new pronouns (he/they). The message includes an earnest “thanks” to the trans community, who inspired Page “to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.” [1]
The post takes a more grave, emotional turn as Page begins recognizing the exigent issues of discrimination, violence and hate. He addresses political leaders, asking them to reject the hostile stance of a platform that, voluntarily or not, encourages both physical and legislative attacks on the trans community. “You unleash a fury of vile and demeaning rage that lands on… a community in which 40% of trans adults report attempting suicide,” he writes. “Enough is enough.” [2]
Page’s wife, Emma Portner, expressed her support and gratitude for her spouse, urging the world to “shine on sweet E.” Portner, a Canadian dancer and choreographer, was married to Page in 2018 and has proudly stood by her spouse as they navigated their relationship and Page’s queer identity. Director of trans media at GLAAD Nick Adams has also praised Page as “an inspiration to countless trans and nonbinary people.” He encouraged the community to “celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page.” [3]
In 2014, Page came out to the public as a gay woman, declaring himself “tired of lying by omission.” [4] His coming out speech at Time to Thrive, an LGBTQ+ conference held in Las Vegas, NV, left the audience stunned and moved to their feet in a passionate standing ovation for the young actor.
Six years later, fans embrace Elliot Page, someone who clearly has a part to play not only in cinema, but in the LGBTQ+ community as well.
[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQ1QFBhNFg/
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/movies/elliot-page-transgender-juno.html
[4] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ellen-page-comes-as-gay-680563
Varsha Bhargava • Feb 24, 2021 at 10:42 am
First off, I loved your title! It drew my eye out of our vast collection of articles! This is a great topic to write about and you wrote with a really considerate and respectful pen. And your style of writing made for an entertaining and informative article throughout. Great job, Sarah!