Elliot Page looks back at 'transition journey', grateful to be 'alive'

Elliot Page considers himself "grateful" to be alive following a "difficult" transition experience.

The actor, who announced his transgender identity in 2020, recently spoke with People about his forthcoming memoir, Pageboy.

"There’s obviously been very difficult moments," the Juno star told the outlet. "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."

Despite the stress of transitioning in public, Page acknowledged that the majority of the trans population endures considerably more difficulties.

"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," the 36-year-old said.

Page understands that just because his story is unique doesn't mean it isn't worth discussing.

"I think it’s crucial, I think we need to feel represented and see ourselves, you know, that’s not something I had like as a kid," he said about the significance of LGBTQ+ visibility.

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

Page had been debating publishing a book for many years, but he believed this was the ideal time because of the present political climate.

"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," the Oscar-nominated actor continued.

"Trans and queer stories are so often picked apart, or worse, universalized."