After coming out as transgender on Dec. 1, Elliot Page received an outpouring of support from fans, fellow celebrities, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. One of the closest people's in Page's life—his wife, Emma Portner—also took the time to post publicly about him coming out. After Page posted his open letter on social media, Portner reposted it on her own Instagram account, along with a supportive message and a request for "patience & privacy."
The Oscar-nominated Page, who starred in the films Juno and Inception and is currently on the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, came out as transgender and non-binary in an open letter on Monday. "I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot," the message begins. "I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life."
Page goes on to thank those who have inspired and supported him, and to note that his "joy is real, but it is also fragile." He explains the harrowing statistics of murder and attempted suicide that affect the trans community, particularly Black and Latinx trans women. Page pledges to fight for others in the trans community by using his platform. "To all 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 do change this world for the better," Page concludes the letter.
In response, Portner wrote on Instagram, "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."
Page and Portner, who is a dancer and choreographer, announced that they were married in Jan. 2018. Page wrote on Instagram at the time, "Can't believe I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife."
Read on for more people who've voiced their support for Page. And for more on why it's important to use he/him and they/them when referring to Page, check out this personal essay: People Refuse to Acknowledge My Pronouns. Here's What That's Like.
Jameela Jamil pointed out how much Page's coming out means.
Alongside a link to an article about Page, The Good Place star Jameela Jamil wrote, "Big congratulations to Elliot. This is amazing. It's going to mean so much to so many people in the world."
She later retweeted Page's letter along with a heart emoji.
Kumail Nanjiani said he's a long-time fan of Page.
The Lovebirds actor Kumail Nanjiani tweeted about being a long-time fan of Page. "I've been a fan of Elliot's for a very long time and am excited to see him continue his fantastic work in the years to come," Nanjiani wrote.
To learn more about the transgender community and beyond, read about these 13 Famous Firsts From the LGBTQ Community.
Jazz Jennings called Page's message "powerful."
Jazz Jennings, star of the TLC series I Am Jazz about her growing up as a young transgender woman, showed her support for Page by tweeting, "Thank you @TheElliotPage. This is one of the most powerful messages I have ever read. I love that I am trans too."
Ross Mathews wanted to tell Page "thank you."
TV host Ross Mathews promised to say "thank you" the next time he sees Page. "I've never met Elliot Page, tho I've been at events & shyly waved," Mathews tweeted. "I've been a huge fan ever since 'Juno' and – in real life – get nervous around people I adore. So I've just enjoyed his work – films & docs – from afar. Next time I'm not only saying hi, I'm saying 'Thank you.'"
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Miley Cyrus kept it simple, saying, "Elliot rules!"
In the Instagram comments of Page's post, Miley Cyrus wrote, "Elliot rules! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤"
These are just a few of the celebrities who have reached out in support of Page. In another show of solidarity, Variety reports that Netflix will update Page's credits on past projects to show his correct name.
And for further reading, check out How to Be an Ally and Support LGBTQIA+ People.
Lia Beck Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to Best Life, she has written for Refinery29, Bustle, Hello Giggles, InStyle, and more.Read moreFiled UnderActors • Celebrities • LGBTQ • NewsRead This NextThe Best and Worst Places in the U.S. to Be LGBTQ
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