‘Umbrella Academy’ star Elliot Page comes out as transgender

On Tuesday, December 1, Elliot Page announced that he is transgender. The star of movies like Juno and TV shows like The Umbrella Academy, and who was formerly known as Ellen Page, posted about his transition on social media on Tuesday.

“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they, and my name is Elliot,” Page wrote in his note. “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.”

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Soon after sharing his story, Elliot received encouragement from his wife Emma Portner who commented, “I am so proud of @elliotpage. Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world. I also ask for patience & privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day. Elliot’s existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much.”

Page’s announcement was greeted with congratulations and support from fans and followers, as well as GLAAD. His credit has been updated on Netflix’s interface, and it’s been confirmed that he will continue to play the role of Vanya Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy.

“Elliot Page has given us fantastic characters on-screen, and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people,” GLAAD’s director of transgender media Nick Adams said in a statement. “He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people. All transgender people deserve the chance to be ourselves and to be accepted for who we are. We celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page today.”

Stars like Miley Cyrus showed support for Page by commenting, “Elliot rules!” while Ellen DeGeneres said, “Sending love to my friend, @TheElliotPage. You inspire me with your strength, courage and honesty.”

Pop band and twin sisters, Tegan and Sara, who contributed to the soundtrack for Christmas lesbian rom-com, Happiest Season, said, “Profound love and admiration for you @TheElliotPage!! Your strength, bravery and activism – not to mention all the art you contribute to this earth – is truly special. Thank you for being so open about your journey and for fighting so hard to make the world a better place.”

And singer Mark Hoppus said, “Congrats to Elliot Page. Never met you, don’t know you at all, but you, your compassion, and your bravery have my love and support.”

Even in his moment of celebration, Page had a note of caution, since transgender people still unfortunately face prejudice and danger. Trans actress Laverne Cox told her own social media followers just days ago that she suffered a transphobic attack over the weekend. But, Page wrote, this just makes them want to fight harder for widespread acceptance.

“I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer,” he wrote in his note. “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. To all the trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse, and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you, and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”