'Welcome to the fam': Trans stars Jazz Jennings, Caitlyn Jenner and more send love to Elliot Page
Juno and Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page came out as transgender this week, and trans celebrities everywhere are welcoming him into the community with open arms.
The Oscar-nominated actor shared a statement Tuesday letting the world know his pronouns (he/they) and to share gratitude for “the incredible people who have supported me along this journey.”
The announcement prompted trans celebrities including Caitlyn Jenner, Jazz Jennings, Geena Rocero and many others to share uplifting messages for Page.
Pose’s Indya Moore replied to the 33-year-old’s Instagram post with “Love you Elliot!!” and went on to share the news on her Insta Stories with even more declarations of support for Page.
Author and television writer Thomas Page McBee also shared a Variety news piece on Page’s coming out to his own Insta, congratulating him on being “our newest king.” McBee has written for The L Word: Generation Q as well as the 2019 version of Tales of the City, the latter of which Page also starred in.
Supermodel and trans activist Geena Rocero reposted Page’s statement, adding, “Welcome to the fam!,” while retired Olympian and television personality Caitlyn Jenner said, “Wishing you peace in your soul. Love and happiness to you, @elliotpage.”
Scream and 13 Reasons Why actor Bex Taylor-Klaus also shared Page’s news on their Stories, with the caption, “All Hail Elliot Page!” And Rocco Kayiatos, also known as rapper Katastrophe, left heart emojis to show solidarity with Page’s post. Kayiatos was not alone. Page’s Instagram post now has more than 2 million likes from fans and friends around the world, along with nearly 120,000 comments — the majority of which are filled with kind and understanding words.
Over on Twitter, writer and activist Raquel Willis replied to Page’s tweet by writing, “Your heart has always been big and you’ve used your platform to show up for the entire community for years. Thanks for the gift of your truth!”
Your heart has always been big and you've used your platform to show up for the entire community for years. Thanks for the gift of your truth! 💫
— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) December 1, 2020
Her Story actress and writer Jen Richards also tweeted a reply, “Congrats Elliot. Welcome to the family!” while YouTuber Riley J. Dennis offered encouraging words, tweeting, “congratulations on coming out I’m so happy for you!!!!!!”
And activist and YouTuber Jazz Jennings, who was launched into the spotlight after being interviewed by Barbara Walters as a young child, also retweeted Page’s post in solidarity, adding, “Thank you @TheElliotPage. This is one of the most powerful messages I have ever read. I love that I am trans too.”
Thank you @TheElliotPage. This is one of the most powerful messages I have ever read. I love that I am trans too ??🙏🏻 https://t.co/sObJYVP86p
— Jazz Jennings (@JazzJennings__) December 1, 2020
It’s clear that the news has made waves across the LGBTQ+ community, with many trans individuals also welcoming and celebrating Page’s decision to announce who he is. The news prompted trans/queer disabled activist Charis Hill to share their experience announcing being trans as a public figure. Hill was featured in the documentary Becoming Incurable (a film about chronic illness).
“I have no idea what @TheElliotPage is experiencing after sharing their true gender with the world. I can’t imagine it’s been easy for him to get to this point — a very permanent point there’s no going back from. But I can promise you that they feel more whole now,” Hill wrote.
I don't regret announcing my true gender to the world. It was & remains terrifying, but I could no longer move forward without being whole.
Claiming my disabled identity makes me whole, the same as claiming my true gender - in every space - makes me whole.
I am whole now.— Mx. Charis Hill ? (they/them) (@BeingCharisBlog) December 2, 2020
It’s near impossible to read through the thousands of retweets, posts, stories and comments, all offering unyielding love and understanding for Page from trans and cis folks alike. And while there’s still too much hate coming from those who don’t yet understand the complexities of gender identity, here’s hoping Page’s bravery continues to pave the path toward a more inclusive world.
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