Elliot Page reveals overcoming gender dysphoria in latest shirtless photo
Elliot Page has been basking in pure "trans joy" since he came out as transgender in December 2020. Just recently, the Canadian actor revealed overcoming another challenge he's been facing as a transgender man—gender dysphoria.
On May 11, Page took to Instagram to open up about his struggles with gender dysphoria and how much he is comfortable with his own skin now.
The post featured a shirtless photo of the 36-year-old star where he proudly showcased his top surgery scars. He captioned the post, "Dysphoria used to be especially rife in the summer. No layers, just a T-shirt - or layers and oh so sweaty - constantly looking down, readjusting my oversized T."
"It feels so f’ing good soaking in the sun now, I never thought I could experience this, the joy I feel in my body," he continued. "I am so grateful for what gender-affirming care has allowed me and I look forward to sharing more of my journey soon. #transjoy"
According to UK's National Health Service, gender dysphoria refers to the sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity..
Although gender dysphoria is not a mental illness, the extreme feeling of unease and dissatisfaction can develop into mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, as well as eating disorder and suicidal thoughts because of their extreme feeling of unease and dissatisfaction.
In an interview with Yahoo Life, Canada-based gender psychologist Natalie Zhikhareva said that gender dysphoria can also result to struggles "in relationships, intimate encounters, and friendships."
That is why, similar to Page, "many who do decide that gender transition is for them feel as if they are alive for the first time in their life."
Page first came out as gay on Feb. 14, 2020, during a speech at the Human Rights Campaign's "Time to Thrive" conference in Las Vegas. He later announced that he transitioned to a trans man in December of that year via Instagram and Twitter then revealed that he had a top surgery in an interview with Time Magazine in March 2021.
Since then, The Umbrella Academy star has been celebrating the joy he feels with his new body. In March of last year, Page attended the Oscars in a tuxedo and couldn't be any happier that he did. He told his Instagram followers, "I feel the best I've ever felt... I feel the way that I really never thought was possible."