Elliot Page praised for first interview since coming out as transgender in December

Juno star said he received ‘a lot of support and love and a massive amount of hatred and transphobia’

Elliot Page has featured on the cover of the latest issue of Time magazine, delivering his first in-depth interview since coming out as transgender.

The Umbrella Academy star came out publicly as trans in December. Speaking to the magazine, he revealed that he had experienced an influx of support, as well as “hatred” and transphobia, in the wake of the announcement.

“What I was anticipating was a lot of support and love and a massive amount of hatred and transphobia,” said Page. “That’s essentially what happened.

“Extremely influential people are spreading these myths and damaging rhetoric—every day you’re seeing our existence debated,” the actor added. “Transgender people are so very real.

“My privilege has allowed me to have resources to get through and to be where I am today, and of course I want to use that privilege and platform to help in the ways I can.”

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Page is the first trans man to feature on the cover of Time magazine.

He shared a photo of the magazine cover on Twitter, alongside the caption: “With deep respect for those who came before me, gratitude for those who have supported me & great concern for the generation of trans youth we must all protect, please join me and decry anti-trans legislation, hate & discrimination in all its forms.”

Fans and readers were quick to voice their admiration for Page’s comments on social media.

Actor and filmmaker Olivia Wilde wrote: “So much love and respect for you, Elliot.”

“I sincerely thank you as well,” wrote another person. “You are that person for my son, showing him there is hope and support in his new world. Thank you Elliot.”

“As a trans guy in the arts i just wanna really thank you,” wrote someone else. “You’ve really inspired me and your presence is such a comfort.”

Page is currently filming on the third season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi thriller The Umbrella Academy.