Elliot Page talks anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ politics
Elliot Page encourages people to educate themselves about LGBTQ+ politics, especially in the current climate, and everyone should take note.
The Oscar-nominated actor, who came out as transgender in 2020, appeared on The View to talk about his role in the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy and his upcoming film Close to You.
The Umbrella Academy is a hit Netflix series based on the comic book series by Gerard Way, and the TV adaptation introduced groundbreaking LGBTQ+ storylines, including a gender swap for one of the main characters played by Elliot.
Close to You marks Elliot’s first film role since 2017. The drama follows Sam, a transgender man who returns to his hometown for a family reunion after five years and rekindles his bond with an old flame.
Remarkably, Elliott has taken on roles that give visibility and a voice to transgender characters, but as The View host pointed out, in the real world, these freedoms are increasingly under threat.
Co-host Ana Navarro asked Elliott about the current presidential election cycle and anti-transgender sentiment, and his thoughtful answer is one everyone needs to hear.
“Republicans are obsessed with what they call the LGBTQ agenda and have introduced hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country, including one that would ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender young people,” Anna began. “What are your thoughts on that, and do you have any advice for people who want to be an ally to the community?”
Elliott responded to recent comments from politicians and the Republican National Convention by saying he was “deeply saddened, angry and horrified.”
“When we think about the transgender community, for example, we see that the vast majority of people don’t know or think they don’t know transgender people,” Elliott says, “and we see how much misinformation and really outright lies are spread about our lives, who we are, and our healthcare.”
“I really want to encourage people to educate themselves and listen to the stories of transgender people, transgender youth and parents of transgender youth. Many of them are in denial about their situations, have to flee a state if they have the means, and are terrified that their children are going to be taken away from them when they’ve done everything they can to make sure they feel loved and thrive in life.”
“The ACLU has an actual tracking tool on their website to see how these bills are spreading, so you can look at that and follow it.”
Elliott continued, “You can watch some great documentaries like Disclosure, Changing the Game, Chase Joint’s Framing Agnes…”
The View co-host suggested reading Elliott’s book, “Pageboy,” which prompted the “Juno” actor to name a few more books people should read to educate themselves.
Information is there for those willing to seek it. Before ignorance, fear, and anti-LGBTQ laws threaten to rob people of their lives and rights, it is important to learn about the different ways people exist in this world. What you know and don’t understand is always open to learning.
Watch the full segment here.
