Elliot Page has disclosed his ‘difficult’ transition and stated that he is ‘grateful to be alive and present’.
The Juno and Umbrella Academy actor, who came out as transgender in 2020, stated that he ‘barely’ survived his transition and admitted that the ‘privilege’ he enjoys as a public figure is not shared by the majority of ‘trans lives’.
He told People: ‘There’s obviously been very difficult moments. I do feel like I kind of barely made it in many ways. But today, I’m just me and grateful to be here and alive and taking one step at a time.
‘My experience as a trans person and this life I have, and the privilege I have does not represent the reality of most trans lives.’
The 36-year-old celebrity added that it is crucial for him to share his story to help end discrimination and assist those who have experienced a similar situation.
‘I think it’s crucial, I think we need to feel represented and see ourselves, you know, that’s not something I had like as a kid,’ he explained.
‘The reality is, trans people disproportionately are unemployed, disproportionately experience homelessness. Trans women of colour are being murdered. People are losing their healthcare or couldn’t access it.’
Speaking about how he thought now was the right time to publish his Pageboy memoir, he explained: ‘I think this period of not just hate, of course, but misinformation or just blatant lies about LGTBQ+ lives, about our healthcare, it felt like the right time.
‘Trans and queer stories are so often picked apart, or worse, universalised.’
Earlier this month, Elliot celebrated ‘transjoy’ by sharing a topless snap showing his gender reassignment surgery scars.
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After coming out as a trans man in 2020, the Oscar-nominated actor posted the image on Instagram while shirtless on a rooftop and explained why sunnier months used to be difficult before his transition.
He posted alongside the image: ‘Dysphoria used to be especially rife in the summer. No layers, just a T-shirt – or layers and oh so sweaty – constantly looking down, readjusting my oversized T.
‘It feels so f’ing good soaking in the sun now, I never thought I could experience this, the joy I feel in my body.
‘I am so grateful for what gender affirming care has allowed me and I look forward to sharing more of my journey soon. #transjoy’
Elliot marked his coming out as trans three years ago with the social media post: ‘I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.
‘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.’