Elliot Page has shared his deeply personal journey of embracing his identity as a transgender man, offering insight into his struggles and the profound joy he has found in living as his authentic self. The actor, who came out as trans in December 2020, recently opened up in a candid interview about his transformative experience, his new memoir, and the support that has carried him through.
A Journey from Confinement to Freedom
For years, Elliot Page lived with a deep sense of discomfort, confined by an identity that didn’t reflect his true self. His rise to fame, beginning with the indie hit Juno in 2007, was coupled with an internal struggle that left him feeling isolated and unhappy.
In a heartfelt interview with Them, Page spoke about the stark difference between his life pre- and post-transition. “Sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh my God, being trans is such a life hack,’” he shared. “Before, I was so miserable. And now, I’m like, ‘What? This is great. I don’t mind. This is kind of cool.’ Like, what?”
The joy of embracing his true identity has brought Page newfound happiness, reflected in everyday moments like attending a Cardi B concert and reveling in the simplicity of just being himself. “I’m this 37-year-old dude in a stadium, jumping up and down and screaming,” he recalled. “It felt so nice to be like, ‘Here I am.’”
Acknowledging the Journey and Community Support
Page attributes much of his ability to embrace his identity to the trans community and those who paved the way. “Community and trans people who have led the way in creating a world where I can actually exist—I wouldn’t be here without those things,” he said, expressing gratitude for the solidarity and visibility that helped him find his footing.
Reflecting on his earlier struggles, Page described the overwhelming dysphoria and pressure to conform to societal expectations. “The dysphoria was so bad, and I would constantly verbalize and think about it,” he admitted. Yet, he found himself suppressing those feelings, unable to reconcile them while managing the relentless demands of his career.
The Transformation: A Life Beyond Survival
In his memoir Pageboy and appearances on platforms like Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Page has detailed the depths of his despair before transitioning. “I couldn’t see the future because I didn’t know how much longer I would last feeling that way,” he confessed.
Life before transitioning was filled with panic attacks, depression, and the immense burden of hiding his true self. He recalled struggling with expectations, including being pressured to wear dresses to public events, which led to severe anxiety.
Now, he describes his transition as a “gamechanger.” Page says he experiences “gender euphoria” even in simple moments, like sipping coffee. “For significant periods of my life, I struggled to function on a basic level,” he shared. “Now, I feel free—something I never thought was possible.”
Inspiration for Others and a Message of Hope
Through his journey, Page has become a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths. His memoir Pageboy has resonated deeply, helping others feel less alone and fostering better conversations between trans individuals and their families.
Speaking directly to parents of trans children, Page emphasized the importance of support: “Create gentleness and support change,” he urged, highlighting how nurturing environments can pave the way for growth and happiness.
Living Authentically and Thriving
Page now fully immerses himself in the joys of life, embracing each moment with gratitude and purpose. His portrayal of Viktor Hargreeves in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy has mirrored his personal journey, with his character also undergoing significant development in the series.
At the premiere of the final season of The Umbrella Academy in August 2024, Page was a picture of confidence and authenticity, embodying the transformative power of living as one’s true self.
As his story continues to inspire countless others, Elliot Page stands as a testament to the courage it takes to embrace authenticity—and the happiness that comes with it.
