Elliot Page Comes Out as Transgender With Massive Fan Support

This press release was originally written for the Grand Geek Gathering and published December 1st, 2020.

Oscar-nominated star of the film “Juno” and the Netflix series “Umbrella Academy” Elliot Page, formerly known as Ellen Page, came out as non-binary and transgender today, with overwhelming fan support.

In a public Twitter announcement, he stated his appreciation for being able to be his authentic self, and pledged himself to offering whatever support he can to build a more equitable society.

His full statement reads as follows:

The official Twitter page of GLAAD (the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) responded with the following statement: “[Elliot Page] has given us fantastic characters on-screen, and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people. He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people. All transgender people deserve the chance to be ourselves and to be accepted for who we are. We celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page today.”

The fan responses in the largest Umbrella Academy fan group on Facebook have been largely enthusiastic.  Additionally, Page’s announcement on Instagram was greeted with messages of support from fellow cast members, including Tom Hopper, Justin Min, and the official Umbrella Academy Netflix page.

Upon first seeing the announcement, one fan on Facebook, Coral Cruz stated, “For a second, I was worried! I thought something bad happened to him (you know, 2020 being a d*ck) I’m glad I was wrong. I’m so happy for him! May he forever be happy and healthy!”

Another fan, Bill Powers, said: “What this old cis dude knows for sure: Elliot has been amazing and adorable in every single role he has performed. I will pray that everyone treats him with kindness and dignity.”

Gisela Figueroa expressed pride in Elliot Page for being his “true self,” and also posted a popular quote from the television show Brooklyn 99: “Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.”

Several fans commented on a Facebook announcement that they have long seen Elliot Page as an LGBTQ+ icon, and that they were pleased with Page’s representing the transgender community and acting as a role model for LGBTQ+ fans.

The talent agency that represents him also re-tweeted his statement with a message of support, as well as major outlets such as Sony, Variety, and Rotten Tomatoes.

Elliot Page’s Wikipedia and IMDB entries were updated within two hours of the announcement to reflect his new name and pronouns.

Some have asked how this announcement will affect Page’s future portrayal of the character Vanya Hargreeves in the upcoming third season of the Umbrella Academy series, but considering his acting chops, most assume this will not greatly impact the show, and are confident that he will continue in his role.  A few fans have wryly noted that Page’s female character, “Vanya,” has a traditionally masculine name.

EDIT (5:30 p.m.): according to Variety, Elliot will continue in his role as The Umbrella Academy character Vanya Hargreeves, who will remain a cisgender woman.  Also, Netflix will be updating the title cards in the coming week to reflect Elliot Page’s new name.