Elliot Page kicked off the new year with a topless beach photo next to his girlfriend – a striking moment of “trans joy” from someone who once said he never felt like his skin was his own.
Elliot Page, born Ellen Page, first rose to fame with his breakout role in Juno, later gaining international recognition in projects like Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, where his character transitioned from Vanya to Viktor Hargreeves as part of the show’s storyline.
But even before that, in December 2020, after years of navigating identity in the public eye, he came out as transgender in real life.
The announcement marked a transformative moment not just in his personal life but in how trans men are seen in mainstream media.
‘Always kind of shut off’
In 2023, Page spoke to People about how much his life had shifted since coming out, describing a new sense of ease in his body and mind.
“It definitely feels a way that I never thought I would get to feel, and that mostly manifests in how present I feel, the ease I feel and the ability to exist. There’s been periods in my life where I really felt like I didn’t,” Page, 38, told the outlet.
“So often it’s a lot more in the quiet moments. I think we talk about ‘trans joy’ and euphoria. So much of it is in the stillness. To have my shoulders back. I just was always kind of shut off, anxious. I used to never feel like my skin was my own,” he added.
Coming out as a couple
That sense of comfort became more visible in June 2025, when Page quietly revealed his relationship with actress and comedian Julia Shiplett.
He posted a selfie on Instagram where the two are seen cozying up on a rainbow-painted street.
The caption was simple – just a rainbow emoji and a heart – but the image itself introduced the couple to the world without fanfare.
Soon after, Shiplett shared a glimpse into their personal life from her own account. In an Instagram Story posted during Pride Month, she uploaded a video of Page standing shirtless in a steaming hot spring surrounded by greenery.
People reports that the Overcompensating star captioned it, “Happy prideee,” giving followers a brief but affectionate window into their time together.
An ‘inspiration for so many’
As 2026 began, Page took to Instagram again – this time with a post that offered a fuller look at his life and love.
The Canadian-born star captioned the post, “Wishing you a happy new year at the cottage,” alongside a series of candid moments with Shiplett – including a topless beach selfie that quickly stood out.
In the image, Page appears shirtless, wearing only sunglasses and a cap, with a chain edging the scar on his chest from his gender-affirming procedure.
Leaning over Elliot – who detailed his gender dysphoria in his memoir “Pageboy” – is Shiplett, who’s seen in a black bikini and sunglasses.
Inspired by Page’s openness, fans jumped into the comment section and offered their praise.
“Thanks for being an inspiration for so many. I’m nearly 65 but would still do top surgery if I had the means. Happy for you,” shared one online user.
“Cheers to another year being your true authentic self. Your courage to be your best authentic self has been a huge ripple of unconditional love for humanity! Keep shining,” another added.
Elliot Page’s journey – from coming out as gay in 2014, to coming out as trans in 2020, to now embracing life publicly with a partner – continues to be one of honesty, vulnerability, and visibility.
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