By Minyvonne Burke - NBC News
Elliot Page, who currently stars in the Netflix series
The Umbrella Academy
, announced Tuesday that he identifies as a transgender person.
"My pronouns are he / they and my name is Elliot. I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me on this journey," wrote the actor, who initially went by the name Ellen.
"I can't begin to express how
extraordinary it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.
I have been infinitely inspired by so many in the trans community."
Page also wrote that while he is "deeply happy" to share his story, he is also scared "of invasiveness, hatred, 'teasing' and violence."
[She disappeared in Mexico, only her remains were found: the story of Dr. María Elizabeth Montaño and her importance for the trans community]
"To be clear, I'm not trying to belittle a moment that is joyful and celebratory, but I want to address the bigger picture. The statistics are staggering.
Discrimination against trans people is rife, insidious and cruel
, resulting in dire consequences. "he wrote in his letter.
"In 2020 alone, at least 40 transgender people were reported to have been murdered, the majority of whom were transgender, black and Latino women."
The Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for LGBTQ people, reported in October that it recorded more violent deaths of transgender or gender non-conforming people in 2020 than in any other year since it began tracking these crimes in 2013.
Page ended the letter by condemning politicians who attack the transgender community.
"Enough is enough. You are not being 'canceled', you are hurting people. I am one of those people and we will not remain silent in the face of your attacks," he wrote.
An "inspiration for trans people"
"I love being trans. And I love being queer. And the more I hug and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I prosper," Page continued.
"To all trans people who face harassment, self-loathing, abuse and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you, and I will do whatever I can to change this world for the better."
Outrage over the death of Dr. Elizabeth Montaño, symbol of the trans community in Mexico
June 29, 202002: 00
The organization GLAAD, founded under the name of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, praised Page's announcement as
"an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people."
Page's wife, Emma Portner, said she was "very proud."
"Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world," Portner wrote on Instagram.
"
I also ask for patience and privacy
, but for you to join me in fervently supporting trans life every day. Elliot's existence is a gift in itself. Shine on sweet E. I love you so much."
Netflix tweeted: "So proud of our superhero! WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT! We look forward to seeing you return in Season 3!"
