Inception and Juno star Elliot Page comes out as transgender

1 December 2020, 22:12 | Updated: 2 December 2020, 14:23

By Nick Hardinges

@NHardinges

Inception and Juno star Elliot Page has publicly come out as transgender.

The 33-year-old actor has starred in a number of high-profile films, including two X-Men movies, while also portraying Vanya Hargreeves in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy.

Page announced in a personal and heartfelt social media post that his pronouns are now "he" or "they" and that his name is now Elliot.

"I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life," the actor wrote.

"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."

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Page, who publicly came out as gay in February 2014, said the "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," he added.

"I'm scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the 'jokes' and of violence.

"To be clear, I am not trying to dampen a moment that is joyous and one that I celebrate, but I want to address the full picture. The statistics are staggering.

"The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences."

Addressing the trans community, Page said he will "do everything (he) can to change this world for the better".

The actor, who is married to choreographer Emma Portner, added: "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."

The 33-year-old, who has frequently spoken out about LGBT issues, signed the letter off by saying: "All my love, Elliot."

Commenting on Page's Instagram post, Portner wrote: "Love you so much Elliot."

Popstar and actress Miley Cyrus also left a message on the post, reading: "Elliot rules!"

Shortly after making the announcement, Page received messages of support from his The Umbrella Academy co-stars.

British actor Tom Hopper plays Luther Hargreeves and wrote on Instagram: "Elliot, I'm so proud of you, and even prouder to call you family. All the love."

Justin H Min, who plays Ben Hargreeves, said: "Love you so much."

In fact, praise flooded in from across the showbiz world for the world-famous actor.

Pose star Indya Moore, who is transgender and non-binary, said: "ELLIOT We love you. I love you. Take all the time and space."

Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin wrote: "Sending you ALL the love and support Elliot!"

Australian actress Ruby Rose, who is gay, commented: "Love love love you x."

Transgender rights activist Raquel Willis tweeted: "Your heart has always been big and you've used your platform to show up for the entire community for years. Thanks for the gift of your truth!"