Well, for once, 2020 has gifted us with some good news. And that good news is that a beloved Hollywood star is choosing to share his truth with all of us with vulnerability and pathos.
In the words of Cynthia Nixon, 'welcome home Elliot'! You may know them from Juno where they played the title role, or their role as Vanya in the incredible Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy.
On Tuesday afternoon, Elliot dropped this letter to his fans on all of his social media channels...
https://t.co/kwti60bZLw— Elliot Page (@Elliot Page) 1606842630.0
They started by jumping right into the vulnerable part...
"Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot."
"I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life."
Before expressing their thanks to those who have been with them on the journey...
"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."
"I've been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place."
"I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society."
He then asked for people to remember he deserves our respect...
"I also ask for patience. My 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."
"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."
They went on to explain the dire conditions many trans people in the United States face...
"The statistics are staggering. The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences."
"In 2020 alone it has been reported that at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women."
He issued a call to action...
"To the political leaders who work to criminalize trans health care and and deny our right to exist and to all of those with a massive platform who continue to spew hostility towards the trans community: you have blood on your hands."
"You unleash a fury of vile and demeaning rage that lands on the shoulders of the trans community; a community in which 40% of trans adults report attempting suicide."
"Enough is enough. You aren't being 'cancelled,' you are hurting people. I am one of those people and we won't be silent in the face of your attacks."
And finally he signed off with hope for the future, and love for the community he is a part of...
"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."
"To all 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."
"Thank you for reading this."
"All my love,"
"Elliot"
Needless to say, some trans-masculine icons welcomed Elliot with open arms.
There was Emmy Nominee Scott Turner Schofield...
Taking this small step, @TheElliotPage made a giant leap for transmasculine visibility. This morning we went from “… https://t.co/XV90uq7UEJ— ScottTurnerSchofield (@ScottTurnerSchofield) 1606851797.0
So proud of Elliot Page for navigating a level of visibility in his career that is daunting even for folks who aren't trans. To the world, Elliot was acting through two masks—culture's expectation and Hollywood's demands—and they still thrived. That's some power.
— ScottTurnerSchofield (@turnerschofield) December 1, 2020
Congratulations, Elliot, and thank you. Coming out today was a massively selfless move that will help a lot of people understand us better, and affirms for us that no matter how people see us, who we know we are is the role of a lifetime—the only one worth playing.
— ScottTurnerSchofield (@turnerschofield) December 1, 2020
911 Lonestar's Brian Michael Smith had this to say...
@TheElliotPage Elliot Welcome, brother! I’m so proud of you! Not only for fully embracing who you are & sharing you… https://t.co/OIgwhaNvTt— Brian Michael Smith (@Brian Michael Smith) 1606851225.0
The L Word's Leo Sheng jumped in on the congrats too..
I’m really happy for @TheElliotPage and I’m glad he has folks in his life who uplift and support them. Seeing so m… https://t.co/mtQiFwQadN— Leo Sheng (@Leo Sheng) 1606867471.0
Survivor alum and writer Zeke Smith also offered a welcome.
Welcome to the team, Elliot! We are overjoyed to have you and are here to lift you up when times are tough, to ha… https://t.co/wNnQC6Tnub— Zeke Smith (@Zeke Smith) 1606851498.0
Of course many of the famous trans women of Hollywood offered their congrats as well...
Y’all can have Harry Potter, we’ll keep Juno, Tallulah, and Inception. Welcome go the trans fam @TheElliotPage!— Shakina (@Shakina) 1606851089.0
Sending all the love and support to you @TheElliotPage family’s here ❤️— Candis Cayne (@Candis Cayne) 1606875644.0
But the fans were not to be outdone...
Me seeing twitter talking about Elliot Page coming out https://t.co/86BtL1pYgM— Audriana 🍓🌗 ☭ (@Audriana 🍓🌗 ☭) 1606867318.0
I'm so happy for all trans men and trans mascs who feel even more seen, loved, and validated tonight because of Ell… https://t.co/NxJWRd6RNg— Vanessa Clark (@Vanessa Clark) 1606869077.0
@geektendencies/Twitter
Apparently TERFs are mad about Elliot Page. You are, as always, cordially invited to: https://t.co/ublLLxRJyw— BSc in Burger Sciences From Smoky Mo's Bar & Grill (@BSc in Burger Sciences From Smoky Mo's Bar & Grill) 1606884281.0
We’re so happy for you @TheElliotPage ❤️ https://t.co/U45y6hEvgf— TGI Justice Project (@TGI Justice Project) 1606847151.0
And even the industry was quick to show their support...
@CamelToad/Twitter
Omg Netflix has already amended Elliot Page’s name on its show credits. My heart is BEAMING. #ElliotPage #Netflix https://t.co/lhgwRklckT— Neil Thornton (@Neil Thornton) 1606862431.0
Elliot Page will continue playing Vanya Hargreeves on 'The Umbrella Academy' — Netflix is currently updating Page's… https://t.co/ZOcl0gYWZ1— Fandom (@Fandom) 1606861447.0
Congratulations Elliot!
It's so lovely to meet a more authentic you.