Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page has opened up on his transition to becoming a male.
The actor won praise around the world when he revealed he was trans and has since undergone top surgery, which is the procedure to remove female breasts.
When Page made his big announcement to the world he was already recovering from the 'transforming' surgery.
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In an interview with TIME Magazine, the actor said the procedure has finally allowed him to recognise the person he always felt on the inside and described it as 'not only life-changing but lifesaving'.
He explained puberty was 'total hell', but standing in the mirror and seeing himself after getting the work done was an experience that 'has completely transformed' his life.
Page added that he always felt uncomfortable in his body, which was mentally draining. Now, he says he has his energy back.
The trip to the barber was also an incredible experience that caused him to cry when recalling sitting in the chair and asking for his hair to be cut short.
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"I just could not have enjoyed it more," he said.
He's also opened up about the reason why he chose to made his transition public knowledge.
"What I was anticipating was a lot of support and love and a massive amount of hatred and transphobia," Page told TIME. "That's essentially what happened."
But he decided to go public so that he could be the leading example of what he wished he saw when he was growing up.
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"Extremely influential people are spreading these myths and damaging rhetoric-every day you're seeing our existence debated.Transgender people are so very real," he said.
"My privilege has allowed me to have resources to get through and to be where I am today. And of course I want to use that privilege and platform to help in the ways I can."
After Juno saw him receive Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations and worldwide attention, Page admits it was difficult keeping up with all the red carpets and magazine editorials that accentuated how disconnected he was with being female.
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Elliot added: "I just never recognised myself. For a long time I could not even look at a photo of myself."
He felt particularly attracted to the role of Vanya in Umbrella Academy because he saw similarities between the character and his internal struggles.
Filming has started on the third season of the show and the cast and crew have been overwhelmingly supportive of Page since his big announcement.
Showrunner Steve Blackman told TIME: "It seems like there's a tremendous weight off his shoulders, a feeling of comfort. There's a lightness, a lot more smiling."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Entertainment, Celebrity, Elliot Page
