Well, for once, 2020 has gifted us with some good news. And that good news is that a beloved Hollywood star is choosing to share his truth with all of us with vulnerability and pathos.
In the words of Cynthia Nixon, 'welcome home Elliot'! You may know them from Juno where they played the title role, or their role as Vanya in the incredible Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy.
On Tuesday afternoon, Elliot dropped this letter to his fans on all of his social media channels...
They started by jumping right into the vulnerable part...
"Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot."
"I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life."
Before expressing their thanks to those who have been with them on the journey...
"I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey. I can't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self."
"I've been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place."
"I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society."
He then asked for people to remember he deserves our respect...
"I also ask for patience. My joy is real, but it is also fragile. The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared."
"I'm scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the 'jokes' and of violence. To be clear, I am not trying to dampen a moment that is joyous and one that I celebrate, but I want to address the full picture."
They went on to explain the dire conditions many trans people in the United States face...
"The statistics are staggering. The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences."
"In 2020 alone it has been reported that at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women."
He issued a call to action...
"To the political leaders who work to criminalize trans health care and and deny our right to exist and to all of those with a massive platform who continue to spew hostility towards the trans community: you have blood on your hands."
"You unleash a fury of vile and demeaning rage that lands on the shoulders of the trans community; a community in which 40% of trans adults report attempting suicide."
"Enough is enough. You aren't being 'cancelled,' you are hurting people. I am one of those people and we won't be silent in the face of your attacks."
And finally he signed off with hope for the future, and love for the community he is a part of...
"I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer. And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive."
"To all trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better."
"Thank you for reading this."
"All my love,"
"Elliot"
Needless to say, some trans-masculine icons welcomed Elliot with open arms.
There was Emmy Nominee Scott Turner Schofield...
911 Lonestar's Brian Michael Smith had this to say...
The L Word's Leo Sheng jumped in on the congrats too..
Survivor alum and writer Zeke Smith also offered a welcome.
Of course many of the famous trans women of Hollywood offered their congrats as well...
But the fans were not to be outdone...
@geektendencies/Twitter
And even the industry was quick to show their support...
@CamelToad/Twitter
Congratulations Elliot!
It's so lovely to meet a more authentic you.
@mehcadbrooks/Threads
@lamorne/Instagram
@bigbeaubrown/Instagram
@musiccitykristy/Instagram
@phil_torres/Instagram
@vbarreiro/Instagram
@franklinjleonard/Instagram
@br1an02/Instagram
@ohhelloitsmax/Instagram
@frecklesmarie/Instagram
