Elliot Page is 'grateful to be alive' as he reveals transition journey was 'difficult'

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By Phoebe Egoroff

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Elliot Page has revealed his vulnerable side after releasing the first chapter of his upcoming memoir Pageboy, where he writes that he's "grateful" to be alive.

The actor - who rose to fame in the movie Juno alongside Michael Cera - has been transparent about his transition and journey to finding self-acceptance.

In fact, the 36-year-old took to Instagram earlier this year to post a shirtless selfie for the first time, writing about his "trans joy" in the caption: "Dysphoria used to be especially rife in the summer. No layers, just a T-shirt - or layers and oh so sweaty - constantly looking down, readjusting my oversized T."

He added: "It feels so f'ing good soaking in the sun now," they continued. "I never thought I could experience this, the joy I feel in my body. I am so grateful for what gender-affirming care has allowed me and I look forward to sharing more of my journey soon."

His upcoming memoir - which is set for release on June 6 - is apparently a personal story focused on exploring his relationship with his body, his experiences as a famous trans person, mental health, assault, love and sex, and Hollywood in general.

In a new interview with People, Page admitted he was nervous about the book's impending release. "I didn't think I could write a book. Books, particularly memoirs, have really shifted my life, offered me inspiration, comfort, been humbling, all of those things. And I think this period of not just hate, of course, but misinformation or just blatant lies about LGTBQ+ lives, about our healthcare, it felt like the right time," he said.

"Trans and queer stories are so often picked apart, or worse, universalized. So the first chapter of Pageboy I just sat down, and it came out and I just didn't stop. I just kept writing. My experience as a trans person and this life I have, and the privilege I have does not represent the reality of most trans lives," Page added.

wp-image-1263198214 size-full
Elliot Page bravely opened up about his journey. Credit: AFF / Alamy

"I think [representation and visibility] is crucial, I think we need to feel represented and see ourselves, you know, that's not something I had like as a kid.

"The reality is, trans people disproportionately are unemployed, disproportionately experience homelessness. Trans women of color are being murdered. People are losing their healthcare or couldn't access it."

Aside from this, Page did reveal he was "grateful" for his journey so far. "There's obviously been very difficult moments. I do feel like I kind of barely made it in many ways. But today, I'm just me and grateful to be here and alive and taking one step at a time."

Featured image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Alamy

Elliot Page is 'grateful to be alive' as he reveals transition journey was 'difficult'

vt-author-image

By Phoebe Egoroff

Article saved!Article saved!

Elliot Page has revealed his vulnerable side after releasing the first chapter of his upcoming memoir Pageboy, where he writes that he's "grateful" to be alive.

The actor - who rose to fame in the movie Juno alongside Michael Cera - has been transparent about his transition and journey to finding self-acceptance.

In fact, the 36-year-old took to Instagram earlier this year to post a shirtless selfie for the first time, writing about his "trans joy" in the caption: "Dysphoria used to be especially rife in the summer. No layers, just a T-shirt - or layers and oh so sweaty - constantly looking down, readjusting my oversized T."

He added: "It feels so f'ing good soaking in the sun now," they continued. "I never thought I could experience this, the joy I feel in my body. I am so grateful for what gender-affirming care has allowed me and I look forward to sharing more of my journey soon."

His upcoming memoir - which is set for release on June 6 - is apparently a personal story focused on exploring his relationship with his body, his experiences as a famous trans person, mental health, assault, love and sex, and Hollywood in general.

In a new interview with People, Page admitted he was nervous about the book's impending release. "I didn't think I could write a book. Books, particularly memoirs, have really shifted my life, offered me inspiration, comfort, been humbling, all of those things. And I think this period of not just hate, of course, but misinformation or just blatant lies about LGTBQ+ lives, about our healthcare, it felt like the right time," he said.

"Trans and queer stories are so often picked apart, or worse, universalized. So the first chapter of Pageboy I just sat down, and it came out and I just didn't stop. I just kept writing. My experience as a trans person and this life I have, and the privilege I have does not represent the reality of most trans lives," Page added.

wp-image-1263198214 size-full
Elliot Page bravely opened up about his journey. Credit: AFF / Alamy

"I think [representation and visibility] is crucial, I think we need to feel represented and see ourselves, you know, that's not something I had like as a kid.

"The reality is, trans people disproportionately are unemployed, disproportionately experience homelessness. Trans women of color are being murdered. People are losing their healthcare or couldn't access it."

Aside from this, Page did reveal he was "grateful" for his journey so far. "There's obviously been very difficult moments. I do feel like I kind of barely made it in many ways. But today, I'm just me and grateful to be here and alive and taking one step at a time."

Featured image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Alamy