Elliot Page is reflecting on how far he’s come – and he’s full of gratitude, joy and slef-love!
The Oscar nominee, who came out publicly as transgender in December 2020 and uses he/they pronouns, has taken to Instagram to open up about past struggles with their body:
“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,” Elliot captions a selfie with no T-shirt on.
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“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.”
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He ends his message with the hashtag #transjoy.
Elliot’s post is particularly important given a number of US states have adopted or are considering anti-trans laws including restrictions on transition-related medical care for minors.
Further details about their journey are expected to be shared in the memoir, Pageboy, which is due out on June 6.
Elliot first announced he was transgender in a post on social media:
“I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life,” he shared on Instagram.
“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.”
And while the message was overall a positive one, Elliot also shared his fears:
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Elliot ended his statement by promising to speak up when it comes to political leaders who are trying to deny trans existence.
“I love that I am trans,” he posted. “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.”
(Feature Image Credit: Tinseltown/Shutterstock)