Elliot Page shared his approach to handling situations where people unintentionally misgender him.
Since coming out as trans in 2020, Page has been candid about his transition journey, including navigating the challenges of being misgendered.
The star has been transparent about his transition, sharing photos of his top surgery scars on social media and frequently highlighting the challenges faced by the trans community.
Being accidentally misgendered can be challenging for trans and non-binary individuals. Page noted that the situation can become more uncomfortable when someone overreacts to their own genuine mistake.
In a 2023 interview with Variety, he said, “In those situations, I understand the intentions of the people close to me who want to get it right. If someone misgenders me, I don’t take it personally.”
He added, “When someone does apologize, it’s appreciated. But let’s move forward and focus on the next moment in our interaction.”
“Let’s move on before this escalates and shifts the focus to the person who made the mistake, turning the situation into something entirely different.”
In discussing how people can support their trans relatives, friends, or colleagues, Page emphasized that the key lies in education and sensitivity.
He said, “There are many resources available to learn about trans people and our experiences. Asking questions isn’t inherently negative, but it’s important to consider the timing, context, and tone.”
Ultimately, Page’s words highlight that the world would be a much better place if the biggest challenge trans people faced was simply being accidentally misgendered.
Trans people face disproportionate vulnerability to homelessness, difficulties in maintaining employment, and significant mental health challenges.
For some trans people, these issues are further compounded by intersectional factors such as racism, disability, and class.
Some health organizations, such as those in the UK, have guidance suggesting that transitioning can be viewed as a way to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions like depression.
As a result, they might focus on “treating” the mental health symptoms rather than providing gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming surgeries have one of the lowest regret rates among all surgeries, even lower than routine procedures like hip replacements.
Trans people who have access to gender-affirming care overwhelmingly report improvements in their mental health, even in the face of prejudice and the dangers that transitioning can entail.
The key point is: if you accidentally misgender a trans or non-binary person, simply apologize and move on. They likely have more significant concerns to address.
