Elliot Page says he's 'grateful to be alive' as he opens up on trans identity

Elliot Page has revealed he ‘barely made it’ through their trans journey, saying there have been various ‘difficult moments’ to navigate.

The Umbrella Academy star is opening up about his experiences in new memoir Pageboy - coming out on 6 June - which will shine a light on his journey as a transgender person living in an often harsh and unforgiving world.

Publisher Flatiron Books said the new book will take a dive into Page's 'relationship with his body, his experiences as one of the most famous trans people in the world, and will cover mental health, assault, love, relationships, sex and the cesspool that Hollywood can be'.

Ahead of the release, he spoke to People about how ‘grateful’ he feels today, while also highlighting the struggles the trans community continues to face.

“I think it’s crucial, I think we need to feel represented and see ourselves, that’s not something I had like as a kid,” he said.

Instagram/@elliotpage

“The reality is, trans people disproportionately are unemployed, disproportionately experience homelessness. Trans women of colour are being murdered. People are losing their healthcare or couldn’t access it.”

Page continued: “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.

“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.”

In the opening chapter of his memoir, the 36-year-old revealed the 'shame’ that was associated with his identity before he came out as transgender in 2020.

"Shame had been drilled into my bones since I was my tiniest self, and I struggled to rid my body of that old toxic and erosive marrow," he wrote.

But in a recent social media post, Page said he now felt ‘joy’ from his body, having shared a proud topless photo to celebrate what gender affirming care has created for him.

Instagram/@elliotpage

"Dysphoria used to be especially rife in the summer," Page wrote in the image caption.

"No layers, just a T-shirt - or layers and oh so sweaty - constantly looking down, readjusting my oversized tee.

“It feels so f’ing good soaking in the sun now, 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.”

Page Boy will be released on 6 June.