Elliot Page Opens Up About The Awkwardness Of Still Getting Misgendered Four Years After Transitioning

“The worst part is always the overreactions.”

Jesse

• Published in News
• September 4, 2024

Imagine you're in the middle of a casual conversation, and someone calls you by the wrong name. Awkward, right? Now, amplify that awkwardness by a thousand, and you might just scratch the surface of what it feels like for a trans person to be misgendered. 

It’s a moment that can sting, sometimes deeply. But as Elliot Page, the star who came out as trans in 2020, recently shared, it’s often not the mistake itself that creates the most discomfort. Instead, it's the overreaction that follows.

Page, who has been refreshingly open about his journey, often takes to social media to discuss the highs and lows of transitioning. He’s shown us the scars, both literal and metaphorical, and spoken candidly about the everyday challenges that come with being a trans person in a world still catching up with understanding. 

Now, misgendering is a tricky topic. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s when someone refers to a person using pronouns or gendered language that doesn’t align with their gender identity. It can be hurtful and invalidating, particularly when it happens repeatedly. 

However, as Page has pointed out, the real discomfort often comes not from the misgendering itself but from the overblown reactions of those who’ve made the mistake. Page’s advice is straightforward: Apologize, correct yourself, and move on. Seriously, it’s not that hard! 

Elliot Page keeps it cool as he opens up about the awkward dance of being accidentally misgendered

Page has been open about his own experiences and how he handles being misgendered, often emphasizing the importance of context and tone. He stresses the need for sensitivity and understanding, pointing out that sometimes, an overzealous apology can make things even more awkward. 

It's like when you trip over nothing, and everyone gasps, making you feel even more clumsy. Sometimes, a simple "Oops, my bad" is all it takes to keep the moment from spiraling into a cringe-worthy episode.

Misgendering, while uncomfortable, isn’t the end of the world, but the way one responds to the mistake can make all the difference. And let’s face it, for trans people, misgendering is often just the tip of the iceberg. The reality is far grimmer. 

Elliot Page proving once again that a tux and a positive attitude can handle any pronoun mishap. Sharp looks, sharper wit

Trans individuals face disproportionate levels of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health challenges. Factors like racism, disability, and class only add more layers to these struggles. 

Yet, despite all this, there is a ray of hope in the form of gender-affirming care. Studies show that such care has one of the lowest regret rates of any surgery. Even more importantly, access to this care can lead to significant improvements in mental health, providing a lifeline amidst the prejudice and dangers that transitioning can expose someone to.

So, the next time you find yourself accidentally misgendering someone, remember Elliot Page’s words of wisdom: apologize sincerely, don’t make it a big deal, and move on. Chances are, they’ve got a lot more on their plate than a simple slip of the tongue.

In a world where being true to oneself can still be an act of courage, let's all strive to make the journey just a little bit smoother.

Jesse