Entertainment
Elliot Page says undergoing top surgery as part of transgender journey has been ‘life changing and lifesaving’
Elliot Page has said that choosing to have top surgery has been both ‘life chancing and lifesaving’ for him.
The actor, 34, came out as a transgender man in December and introduced himself to fans by his new name Elliot, while revealing he now goes by the pronouns he/they.
As part of his transgender journey, Elliot decided to undergo top surgery – a surgical procedure that removes breast tissue.
Opening up about his surgery in a candid interview with Time magazine – his first since coming out as transgender – Elliot said that, for him, having the operation has helped him to feel more comfortable in his own body.
‘It has completely transformed my life,’ he told the publication, as he explained that the surgery allowed him to finally ‘recognise’ himself in the mirror after spending years not being able to.
So much so, that Elliot confessed he ‘couldn’t look at photos’ of himself prior to coming out as transgender and had spent so much energy feeling uncomfortable when it came to his body.
As a result, the Umbrella Academy star revealed he’d also battled depression, anxiety and panic attacks throughout his career.
While he believes that being transgender doesn’t have to be all about surgery, Elliot addressed his decision to have it and said: ‘I was finally able to embrace being transgender and letting myself fully become who I am.’
He added that the surgery had been ‘not only life-changing but lifesaving’.
Elliot came out as transgender in a heartfelt statement shared to Instagram at the beginning of December.
The movie talent thanked the trans community for their ‘courage and support’ as he offered his support and told fans that he feels ‘lucky’ to have ‘arrived at this place in my life’.
Elliot wrote: ‘I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.’
Fans and celebrities reached out to show Elliot their support following his reveal, with Ellen DeGeneres calling him an ‘inspiration’.
Jennifer Garner and Miley Cyrus were among the stars who reached out to Elliot, while Sir Ian McKellen said he was ‘so happy’ for his former co-star.
In January, it was revealed that Elliot had split from ex-wife Emma Portner.
The former couple confirmed divorce reports in a joint statement shared to People magazine that said: ‘After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our separation last summer.
‘We have the utmost respect for each other and remain close friends.’
Elliot and Emma first went public with their relationship in 2017 and they wed in January 2018.
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