Elliot Page Feels ‘Ease’ As A Trans Man, Skin Wasn’t His Own
Elliot Page is opening up about the challenges and joys he’s come across since coming out as trans in 2020. While promoting his new memoir, Pageboy, the actor gave some…
Elliot Page attends the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesElliot Page is opening up about the challenges and joys he's come across since coming out as trans in 2020. While promoting his new memoir, Pageboy, the actor gave some insight into his life story. “When I’m walking down the street, and young people come up to me, it means the world to me,” Page, 36, told People on Friday (June 2). “Them being themselves, having the courage to say, ‘This is who I am, and I’m gonna live authentically.’”
“The privilege I have does not represent the reality of most trans lives," Page continued. "The reality is trans people disproportionately are unemployed, disproportionately experience homelessness. Trans women of color are being murdered. People are losing their healthcare.” Speaking about his own difficulties, Page adds, “I do feel like I barely made it in many ways."
RELATED: Elliot Page Praised For Sharing Shirtless Photo
On how it feels to share his truth with the world, the Canadian native said he "never thought" he'd be able to feel it. He further said it "mostly manifests in how present I feel, the ease I feel and the ability to exist." He recalled periods in his life where he "really felt like" he didn't exist in those "quiet moments." Speaking of that "stillness," Page says there is a lot of talk about "trans joy" and "euphoria," but he lived in a state of anxiety and "was always kind of shut off... I used to never feel like my skin was my own."
Finding That Joy
Now, Page experiences joy "by surprise sometimes." The Umbrella Academy actor said, "A friend will simply take a photo, and then I get a glimpse, and it just sends this electric thrill through my body, this sort of spark. Because it’s funny — it’s seeing something new, but also not. I realize I look different to people now who’ve known me from before, but I’m thinking, “Oh my gosh, there’s that person I’ve seen but never thought I’d actually get to see.” Pageboy will be released on June 6.
Watch Elliot Page's interview with People below:
50 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Are LGTBQ+
The LGBTQ+ community has been integral to the performing arts (and the tech behind said arts) for as long as there has been performing arts, even though many members of the entertainment industry were at times reluctant to admit it. Back in the days of the Hays Code, from the 1930s to the 1960s, movies depicting same-sex love interests were censored by studios. Even today, movies featuring gay sex or LGBTQ+ characters are typically rated more strictly than movies with straight characters.
The Stigma Around LGBTQ+ Content
Given the stigma around showing LGBTQ+ content on the silver screen, it makes sense that celebrities who identify as being LGBTQ+ haven’t always been able to speak freely about their status. It wasn’t too long ago that the entertainment industry took every conceivable measure to keep the sexual orientation of its foremost stars under wraps. Look no further than Old Hollywood actor Rock Hudson, whose homosexuality remained a tightly guarded secret during the height of his fame.
Thankfully, many of today’s LGBTQ+ celebrities aren’t overly pressured into keeping their status a secret. Likewise, both the entertainment industry and society have made strides since the heyday of Rock Hudson, at least in terms of how both those entities approach and accept sexual identity. This increased visibility of LGBTQ+ celebrities matters. Celebrities speaking openly about their identity and experiences can help destigmatize LGBTQ+ identities and boost the self-esteem of LGBTQ+ people by allowing them to see that there are successful people out there who are like them.
We've curated a list of 50 major celebrities in the LGBTQ+ community who have made significant contributions to the community itself and/or the entertainment industry. Although there is still quite a way for civilization to go when it comes to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, it’s increasingly apparent that a celebrity’s sexual orientation need not be the career detriment it may have been in the past. In fact, now, more than ever, celebrities are speaking up for LGBTQ+ communities and becoming celebrated advocates for them. Just look at Billy Eichner vying for more overtly gay characters in TV and film. Or Lil Nas X, who has become an LGBTQ+ icon after spending years closeted with no plans to publicly come out.
Miley Cyrus
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Miley Cyrus performs onstage during the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Festival at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Bud Light)
Elliot Page
Richard Bord/Getty ImagesPARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 02: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Elliot Page poses on the runway during the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2022 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Theatre Du Chatelet on October 02, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)
Tim Cook
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesCUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers the keynote address during a special event on September 10, 2019 in the Steve Jobs Theater on Apple's Cupertino, California campus. Apple unveiled several new products including an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series 5 and seventh-generation iPad. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Drew Barrymore
Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 26: Drew Barrymore attends the 2023 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Billie Joe Armstrong
Timothy Hiatt/Getty ImagesCHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 15: Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs during the Hella Mega Tour at Wrigley Field on August 15, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images)
Clive Davis
Dominik Bindl/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Clive Davis attends Artist Fernanda Lavera Opening Reception at G23NY Gallery on November 04, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)
Fergie
Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Fergie attends the “Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined” Art Exhibit Presented by Interscope Records and LACMA on January 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Interscope Records)
Kristen Stewart
Jon Kopaloff/Getty ImagesBEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Kristen Stewart attends The Hollywood Reporter's Oscar Nominees Night at Spago on March 07, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Kate McKinnon
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesBEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Kate McKinnon attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Gillian Anderson
Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesLONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Gillian Anderson attends the "The Crown" 73rd Primetime Emmys Celebration at Soho House on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Lady Gaga
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesSANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Lady Gaga attends the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)
Aubrey Plaza
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesBEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Aubrey Plaza attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Kristian Nairn
Bryan Steffy/Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 23: DJ/actor Kristian Nairn performs at The LINQ Hotel & Casino on July 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for The LINQ Hotel & Casino)
Frank Ocean
Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Frank Ocean attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Jason Collins
Vivien Killilea/Getty ImagesUNIVERSAL CITY, CA - MARCH 17: Jason Collins attends Family Equality Council's Impact Awards at The Globe Theatre at Universal Studios on March 17, 2018 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Family Equality Council)
Angelina Jolie
Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesLONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Angelina Jolie attending the UK Gala screening of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney)
Victor Garber
Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Victor Garber attends the 2019 Princess Grace Awards Gala on November 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation – USA)
Raven-Symoné
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesBURBANK, CALIFORNIA - JULY 17: Raven-Symoné attends the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards for Children's and Animation at Associated Television Int'l Studios on July 17, 2021 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Wanda Sykes
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty ImagesWEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Wanda Sykes attends the LA Special Screening of Apple TV+'s "Visible: Out On Television" at The West Hollywood EDITION on February 25, 2020 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Charlie Carver
JC Olivera/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 18: Charlie Carver attends the MOCA Benefit 2019 at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on May 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Amber Heard
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesBEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 06: Amber Heard attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Sarah Paulson
Rich Fury/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Sarah Paulson attends the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards at L.A. LIVE on September 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Bella Thorne
Arturo Holmes/Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 18: Bella Thorne attends The 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Amy Winehouse
Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesLONDON - FEBRUARY 14: Singer Amy Winehouse arrives at the BRIT Awards 2007 in association with MasterCard at Earls Court on February 14, 2007 in London. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Sir Alec Guinness
Gordon Anthony/Hulton Archive/Getty Images1938: English actor Sir Alec Guinness (1914 - 2000). (Photo by Gordon Anthony/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Marlon Brando
Dove/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesAmerican actor Marlon Brando (1924 - 2004) at London Airport, 28th January 1967. (Photo by Dove/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Richard Pryor
Hulton Archive/Getty Images1981: American comedian Richard Pryor, a veteran of both stand-up and film comedy. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Anna Paquin
Jon Kopaloff/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Anna Paquin attends the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Lee Daniels
Noam Galai/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Lee Daniels attends the TIME 100 Gala 2019 Lobby Arrivals at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for TIME)
Azealia Banks
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Azealia Banks walks the runway for Kim Shui during NYFW: The Shows at Gallery at Spring Studios on September 12, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Lil Nas X
Rich Fury/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: Lil Nas X attends the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images,,)
Janelle Monáe
Leon Bennett/Getty ImagesPASADENA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Janelle Monáe attends the 51st NAACP Image Awards, Presented by BET, at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Brendon Urie
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 01: Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco attends the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Andrew Scott
Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesLONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Andrew Scott poses in the Winners Room during the EE British Academy Film Awards 2020 at Royal Albert Hall on February 02, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Lee Pace
Jesse Grant/Getty ImagesHOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Actor Lee Pace attends the Los Angeles World Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel" at Dolby Theatre on March 4, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Jason Mraz
Jerod Harris/Getty ImagesANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: Music for Life Awardee Jason Mraz speaks onstage at The 2020 NAMM Show Opening Day on January 16, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for NAMM)
Tessa Thompson
Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Tessa Thompson attends the 4th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television presented by The Critics Choice Association at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images,)
Rebecca Black
Rich Fury/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Rebecca Black attends the Stella McCartney "Get Back" Capsule Collection and documentary release of Peter Jackson's "Get Back" at The Jim Henson Company on November 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Alia Shawkat
Tommaso Boddi/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Alia Shawkat attends Vulture Festival 2021 at The Hollywood Roosevelt on November 13, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Vulture)
Annie Clark
Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 06: St. Vincent attends Billboard's 13th Annual Women In Music Event at Pier 36 on December 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Vanessa Carlton
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: Vanessa Carlton attends the 73rd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 09, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Halsey
Jesse Grant/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Halsey attends the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Festival at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Bud Light)
Jim Parsons
Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Jim Parsons attends the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Billy Eichner
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty ImagesWEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 01: Billy Eichner attends the premiere of FX's "Impeachment: American Crime Story" at Pacific Design Center on September 01, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Ben Platt
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26:Ben Platt attends the 74th Annual Tony Awards at Winter Garden Theater on September 26, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Sam Smith
Alexandre Schneider/Getty ImagesSAO PAULO, BRAZIL - APRIL 05: Sam Smith performs on stage during the Lollapaloosa Sao Paulo 2019 - Day 1 on April 05, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
Jameela Jamil
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Jameela Jamil attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Demi Lovato
Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Demi Lovato attends the KLUTCH Sports Group x UTA Dinner Presented by Snapchat at Beauty & Essex on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for KLUTCH Sports Group)
Ariana Grande
Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Ariana Grande attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Lilly and Lana Wachowski
Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesBEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 24: Andy Wachowski (L) and Lana Wachowski attend the Australians in Film Benefit Dinner at the at Intercontinental Hotel on October 24, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
