Elliot Page, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in “Juno” and “The Umbrella Academy,” has been an outspoken advocate for the transgender community. He publicly embraced his transgender identity in December 2020, sharing his joy with the world through a heartfelt Instagram post.
While Page’s journey has inspired many, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of his most sensitive issues is using incorrect gender pronouns.
Misgendering is a common issue for many transgender and non-binary individuals. Page has developed a unique and empathetic approach to handling such situations.
In an interview with “The Guardian,” Page spoke about being misgender. He said, “I get misgendered all the time, and I don’t care unless someone’s trying to, you know, be mean.”
Page’s casual response to unintentional mistakes reflects his understanding of intent. Without ill will, he doesn’t think it’s necessary to dwell on the mistake.
In his latest film, “Close to You,” Page portrays a transgender man who corrects his mother when she misgenders him. However, in real life, Page takes a different approach.
“I wouldn’t correct her as I am,” he said. “I’d be like, ‘It’s fine. We’re going to move on from the moment. It takes a second.’”
Page prefers not to escalate these situations unnecessarily. He handles them with patience, focusing on the bigger picture.
Even within his own family, occasional slip-ups occur. Page revealed that his mother, Martha Philpotts, sometimes makes mistakes with his pronouns.
However, Page handles these moments with ease and understanding. “She’s pretty good. I’m like, ‘Of course, it’s going to take you a second, Mom. It’s fine,’” he explained.
He emphasizes that his mother shouldn’t feel guilty about occasional errors. Page’s compassionate approach reflects his broader perspective on family dynamics.
He understands that adjusting long-standing habits takes time. His patience and understanding resonate with many in the trans community.
Page is aware that revealing one’s identity to family members can be difficult. While acceptance is often present, complete understanding can be a gradual process.
For Page, the focus is on progress and moving forward. This viewpoint aligns with his broader philosophy of patience and understanding.
While Page handles unintentional misgendering with grace, he is not immune to the harm of deliberate attacks. In his memoir “Pageboy,” Page details instances of intentional misgendering.
He discusses attacks from individuals such as conservative author Jordan Peterson. These deliberate actions starkly contrast with the innocent mistakes made by loved ones.
Page is clear about addressing intentional harm. He believes in confronting such behavior promptly.
In an interview with “Variety,” Page explained his views on intent. “In those situations, I know the intent of people close to me in my life who are wanting to get it right,” he said.
“If someone misgenders me, I don’t take it personally,” Page stated. “When someone does go to apologize, it’s great. But let’s move on to the next moment.”
This balanced approach allows for accountability without overemphasizing the mistake. It offers an opportunity for individuals to learn and grow without fear of judgment.
Page continues to emphasize the importance of education on transgender issues. He believes that allies play a crucial role in creating a safer, more inclusive world for trans individuals.
“There are a lot of resources out there to learn more about trans people,” he said. However, Page cautions that asking questions may not always be appropriate.
“A question isn’t always a negative thing,” Page explained. “But there’s a time and place and context and tone.”
Page encourages allies to self-educate to foster a welcoming environment. This allows for genuine connections without the fear of making mistakes.
As Page continues his personal journey, he is also embracing professional growth. In a recent interview, he shared his excitement about being unattached and focusing on personal development.
This marks a shift from his past relationships, which Page admitted were often self-focused. Now he is enjoying the freedom that comes with living authentically.
Page’s story is one of ongoing self-discovery and resilience. His emphasis on self-care and growth resonates with many facing similar life changes.
Elliot Page’s approach to misgendering offers valuable lessons in empathy and understanding. While misgendering can be hurtful, Page believes in focusing on intent rather than allowing mistakes to escalate.
(Instagram/ @elliotpage)
“If someone misgenders another person, they should apologize and let it go,” Page advised. “These things take a second. It’s all good.”
Page’s calm demeanor mirrors his broader philosophy of living authentically. He promotes mutual respect while giving others the space to learn and grow.
As Page continues to champion the trans community, his outlook remains one of resilience and compassion. His story serves as a reminder of the power of patience, understanding, and education.
In a world where the struggles of trans individuals go far beyond unintentional misgendering, Page’s perspective offers hope. Compassion, understanding, and knowledge are key to building a more inclusive society.
