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Source: Jason LaVeris / Getty

Netflix’s Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page announced that he is transgender in an open letter. The Oscar nominated actor, formerly known as Ellen Page, shared the heartfelt news on social media expressing his “overwhelming gratitude” for those who have supported his journey.

“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. 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 wrote.

The Juno star uses both he/him and they/them pronouns and describes himself as transgender and non-binary, which means that their gender identity is neither man nor woman. Page offers his sincerest remarks to the trans community as he expresses his endless inspiration by those continuing to be courageous. Elliot’s hope for sharing his identity publicly is that he will be contributing to making the transgender community more inclusive and compassionate.

Page is extremely vulnerable in his post detailing their fears of invasiveness over the announcment and their growing concerns over discrimination and violence toward his community as 40 transgender people have been murdered in 2020 alone. He asked his fans and supporters “for patience” saying “my joy is real, but also fragile.”

Elliot’s family and fans showed their support with kind messages over social media. Their wife, Emma Portner, responded with a repost of the message on her Instagram with the caption, “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.”

 

Netflix announced in November that it The Umbrella Academy was renewed for Season 3 where Page stars as Vanya Hargreeves. The company congratulated Page following his announcement, sharing this message on Twitter, “So proud of our superhero! WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT! Can’t wait to see you return in season 3!”

In 2014, Page came out as gay by making the announcement in an intensely personal speech delivered before several hundred attendees at Time to Thrive, a conference which promotes the welfare of LGBT youth held at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

“I’m here today because I am gay,” Page told the audience, “and because maybe I can make a difference, to help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility. I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission. I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain.”

Page has since become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken advocates for the LGBTQ community, serving as host of Vice’s travel series Gaycation, in which Page visited cities around the world and explored different perceptions of LGBTQ culture and taking on the role of an out gay woman in Freeheld, a romance drama centered on the fight for gay rights.

Elliot aims to continue their work for the LGBTQ community now as their most authentic self.

“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 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,” Page shared at the end of his statement.

We look forward to seeing the star in the next season of Umbrella Academy and their efforts to continue keeping the transgender community uplifted.