Achi news desk-
Actor and activist Elliot Page offered some guidance to a parent who blasted the Alberta government Sunday at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.
Page, who stars in Umbrella Academy a parent asked for advice with ‘everything going on right now,’ how to talk to his son about gender identity.
“So I’m sorry for what you’re dealing with,” Page said. “As a parent that must be so challenging and painful and scary.
“It seems to me,” she added, “it’s all about unity and community. You connect with other parents, you connect with other allies and stand up to the BS that coming right now. And love your son — and obviously you do — and support (him).”
Page criticized Alberta’s policies on trans rights, repeating what she said at the 2024 Junos.
“First of all it’s terrible. It’s harmful, it comes from misinformation about health care, our lives, who we are,” said Page. “It’s policies that go against the advice of the Alberta medical association (Alberta Health Services) and Society Pediatrics Canada.
“Seriously, this has a serious impact on people’s lives, (like) the father you just saw and his son and all the individuals who are trying to live their lives and thrive and grow in safe environments.”
Page also reflected on the challenges he faced growing up in Nova Scotia.
“The first time I tried to talk about my sexuality at 15, my mum – who is so supportive and wonderful now – shouted at me ‘that doesn’t exist!'” said Page. “So, by forcing children out to their parents, taking away any kind of agency for them to be themselves especially when it’s not supported by medical institutions, that’s — it’s outrageous. It’s outrageous.”
The audience responded with loud applause.
Inspiration
During a question and answer session at the event, hosted by social media expert Mike Morrison, two trans fans stood up and thanked Page for being an inspiration.
“Thank you too, because you’re like you I’m sure you inspire so many people in your life and let me live my life too,” she said. “We’re all in this together.”
A page was recently identified by Time Magazine as one of the most influential people of 2024.
Elliot (recollection) Pageboy ultimately landing at a time when conservatives were – as they still are – threatening the bodily autonomy and self-determination of trans people,” writes Raquel Willis. “But Elliot remains unhindered, letting down the shield he his platform and privileges give her, and promote the efforts of grassroots activists like the Gen Z-led Trans Prom in the US Capitol. In whatever he does, Elliot is aware that his truth and to power serving as a light by which others may see theirs.”
Last month, Page criticized Canada’s return of LGBTQ2+ rights on stage at the Juno Awards.
“We are at a time in history where the rights of LGBTQ2+ people are being revoked, restricted and removed around the world, and the effects are devastating,” Page said before presenting a humanitarian award to former Calgarians Tegan and Sara for their foundation work for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Page also described what it was like to play a trans character Umbrella Academy which was transforming at the same time Page was transforming in real life.
“For me, it all made sense that journey I went on at the same time with that character but that was a pretty amazing thing,” he said. “Obviously it meant so much to me.”
He was also asked when he misgenders.
“Oh gosh,” he said. “My response is, when it’s very clear that someone has slipped or you know when it’s not intentional or what have you, it’s fine!
“It’s happened a couple of times when people come up and you want to say ‘don’t go away feeling bad’.
“It’s all right,” he added. “Some people might think that something is too lenient or something too lenient, but especially knowing that I’ve been aware for some time that it can be an adjustment.”
Page also talked about filming A beginning in Kananaskis Country in Alberta, saying that was a tough one because he doesn’t do well at high altitude – he fainted while shooting a scene in the mountains.
With files by Teri Fikowski
