Trans actor Elliot Page has recently exhibited remarkable tolerance when faced with accidental misgendering, a scenario mirrored in his new film “Close To You,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. In the movie, Page portrays Sam, a trans man reconnecting with his family after four years of transition. Page’s own journey towards self-discovery as a trans individual parallels the film’s narrative.
In 2020, Page made a significant public declaration about his transgender identity, sharing his profound happiness and ability to pursue his authentic self. Since then, he has candidly discussed both the highs and lows encountered during his gender journey. Notably, he celebrated the support of an “awesome group of trans friends” and the joy of receiving gender-affirming care, which includes a liberating topless scene in “Close To You.”
Nevertheless, Page has also faced personal challenges due to the global rise of anti-trans rhetoric. He has been subjected to misgendering, notably by conservative author Jordan Peterson. In his memoir “Pageboy,” released in June, Page disclosed the strained relationship with his estranged father, who had endorsed Peterson’s harmful content targeting the actor.
In “Close To You,” Page’s character Sam grapples with familial fragility, even though his family appears accepting. A poignant moment in the film features Sam’s mother accidentally misgendering him, leading to emotional distress. Page, when discussing the film, shared his perspective on dealing with accidental misgendering, emphasizing the importance of understanding intent and swiftly moving beyond such instances.
“In those situations, I know the intent of people close to me in my life who are wanting to get it right. If someone misgenders me, I don’t take it personally,” Page expressed. “When someone does go to apologize, it’s great. But let’s move on to the next moment in our interaction. Let’s move on before it turns into a bigger thing and becomes about the person who did the misgendering and turns into this whole other energy. These things take a second. It’s all good.”
Page’s perspective aligns with that of other trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming celebrities, such as Sam Smith, who also advocate for understanding and tolerance in cases of accidental misgendering. While acknowledging that mistakes happen, Page encourages individual efforts to educate oneself about the experiences of trans individuals. As society navigates the complexities of gender identity, Page’s message serves as a valuable reminder that empathy, education, and tolerance are crucial in fostering a more inclusive world.
As “Close To You” awaits a public release date, Elliot Page continues to inspire with his resilient advocacy for the trans community.