The Juno alumnus came out as transgender in December 2020 after years of quietly struggling with gender dysphoria. “My joy is real, but it’s also fragile,” he said in a social media statement at the time. “The truth is that even though I feel very happy right now and I know how privileged I am, I am scared. I am scared of aggression, hatred, ‘jokes’ and violence.”
She added: “To all the transgender people who deal with harassment, self-hatred, abuse, and the threat of violence every day. I love you and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”
True to his word, Elliott has since been open about his journey, including his recovery from parietal surgery. “Discomfort used to be prevalent, especially in the summer,” he captioned a shirtless selfie taken in May 2023. “I didn’t wear any layers, just a t-shirt, or layered up, sweating, and constantly looking down to adjust my oversized t-shirt. Now I’m feeling so good in the sun. I never thought I’d be able to experience the joy of feeling this with my body.”
The Umbrella Academy star also detailed his transition in his 2023 memoir, Pageboy.
