Elliot Page Says Coming Out As Trans Has Drastically Improved His Life

Elliot Page says his life has ‘improved drastically’ since transitioning a couple of years ago.

While appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers, The Umbrella Academy actor reflected on his time since coming out as transgender.

“I think of the times in my life where I was the most uncomfortable, where I was the most unwell," he said.

"Those were the times where I was the most angry. And I was the most unkind to myself or self-righteous or all of those things. It’s improved my life drastically."

He added: “I hope the people who do have an issue with me, can either hear that or embrace that.”

Despite facing backlash initially when he came out, Page said he's been greatly supported by the LGBTQIA+ community. This love has spurred him on to become an activist for issues that affect that community.

“​​What I want to focus on right now, and has been so extraordinary is the degree of joy that I feel, the degree of presence that I feel, I feel a way that I really never thought possible for a long, long time,” he said.

“That’s really what I’m focusing on and embracing the most. But of course, the moment can be overwhelming.”

The third season of The Umbrella Academy dropped yesterday (Wednesday, June 22), with Page appearing as Viktor Hargreeves, previously known as Vanya, who will also become transgender.

In the same interview, the actor praised showrunner Steve Blackman for helping incorporate Page's real-life transgender experience into the show.

The 35-year-old actor came out as transgender in December 2020, penning an open letter to his social media accounts that read: "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."

The Juno actor also expressed his grief for the surging number of transgender-related suicides and condemned political leaders for ‘criminalising transgender health care’.

He added: “To the political leaders who work to criminalise trans health care 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.”