Transgender actor Elliot Page shared insights on ‘healthy masculinity’ during a recent podcast appearance. Speaking on the ‘It’s Open with Ilana Glazer’ podcast, the 39-year-old actor highlighted the importance of resisting the urge to emotionally ‘shut down’ while navigating a gender journey and public life.
Page emphasized moving away from societal ‘expectations’ that encourage emotional closure. ‘Healthy masculinity, to me, involves leaning away from any impulses or expectations to close oneself off,’ said Page. Reflecting on personal experiences, he noted changes in his self-perception since transitioning, particularly in how he presents himself in photographs.
Previously known as Ellen Page, Elliot came out as transgender in 2020. Reflecting on past experiences, Page mentioned feeling self-conscious about gestures and expressions, recalling a shift towards smiling in photos post-transition. ‘I used to find it hard to look at photos, but now I can smile,’ he shared. This change highlighted a notable contrast when interacting with male fans who often appeared unsmiling.
Page also touched on broader aspects of healthy masculinity, such as adopting healthier habits like staying hydrated and self-love. He suggested that a ‘good cry’ can be a manifestation of healthy masculinity, countering the harmful norms tied to ‘toxic masculinity’ like violence and cruelty. ‘Being intentional about not adhering to toxic rules can alleviate many problems,’ he added.
Elliot Page, renowned for roles in ‘Juno,’ ‘Inception,’ and ‘X-Men,’ continues to advocate for a more open and self-loving approach to masculinity. His insights contribute to an ongoing dialogue about gender and identity in contemporary society.