Elliot Page reveals ‘top surgery’

Page told Time Magazine that it was during recovery from surgery in December that he went public with the gender transition.

"I wanted to be a boy," said Page, who stands at just over 5 feet tall, explaining childhood feelings. "I would ask my mom if I could be someday." Page said it felt like a triumph when a short hair cut was permitted at about age 9.

Page described the surgery as making it possible to finally recognize himself in the mirror since going through the "total hell" of puberty.

"For a long time I could not even look at a photo of myself," Page said, noting that the surgery "has completely transformed my life."

Page emphasized that being trans isn't all about surgery, and says the media has sensationalized transgender bodies. Page takes issue with activists who oppose the medical and social transition of gender non-conforming youth who identify as transgender, and believes that opposing medical transitions for boys and girls who feel they were born in the wrong bodies is unwarranted.

Page opposes Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves' legislation to keep biological males out of women's sports, calling it "horrific."

"We know who we are," Page said.

Page had been married to Emma Portner, who had at first said she was "so proud" of Page for making the transition. But in January, after the surgery, the pair decided to split.

In a joint statement, the Canadian couple declared that "After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our separation last summer. We have the utmost respect for each other and remain close friends."