'Juno' star Elliot Page announces new pronouns of 'he' and 'they'

Elliot Page, the star of Juno, announced he is transgender and has changed his name in a heartfelt statement to his followers on Tuesday. "Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot," he wrote on Instagram.

Page said he feels lucky to be writing the announcement and to have "arrived at this place in my life." The Umbrella Academy star said that they feel an "overwhelming gratitude" for all of the people who have supported them along their 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," Page wrote. "Thank you for your courage, your generosity, and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place."

Page said that they would offer all the support they can and continue to "strive for a more loving and equal society." He shared that he loves that he is trans and queer, and the more they embrace who they really are, the more their "heart grows and I thrive."

The actor said that although they are feeling joy at the moment, they are also "scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the 'jokes' and of violence." He addressed the discrimination towards trans people and described it as "rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences." Page noted that in 2020 it had been reported that "at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women." He told political leaders who "work to criminalize trans health and deny our right to exist" that they have "blood on their hands."

The Canadian actor sent a message to other trans people, writing, "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 uses he/him and they/them pronouns and describes himself as non-binary and transgender.

Nick Adams, GLAAD's Director of Transgender Media, said, "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."

Many friends and fans of Page took to his Instagram page to show support. Miley Cyrus wrote, "Elliot rules!" and the official Instagram page for The Umbrella Academy added, "So proud of our superhero! WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT!!!" Page's wife, Emma Portner, shared his statement on her own Instagram page and wrote, "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."

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