Actor Elliot Page talks transitioning, Alberta government policy at Calgary Comic Expo

Transgender actor and activist Elliot Page is once again calling out Alberta’s government for its “appalling” proposed policies impacting trans youth.

Page was taking part in a Q&A over the weekend at the Calgary Comic Expo, where he shared part of his story and commented on the controversial proposal when asked by moderator Mike Morrison.

“It stems from misinformation and lies about our healthcare, about our lives, about who we are. It’s policies that go against the advice of the Alberta Medical Association and the Canadian Pediatric Society,” he said.

The new policy would ban hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery for teens and limit participation for trans athletes. It would also require parental consent if students 15 and under want to change their pronouns or names at school.

Page recounted his own experience on stage in front of hundreds of fans.

“The first time I tried to talk about my sexuality, when I was 15, my mom — who is so supportive now and amazing — yelled at me, ‘That doesn’t exist,'” he recalled. “So, forcibly outing children to their parents, taking away any kind of agency to be themselves, particularly when it’s backed by a major medical institution — it’s appalling.”

“This has serious impacts on people’s lives — on the father you just saw and his son — and on the individuals who are just trying to live their lives and thrive and grow in safe environments,” Page said.

The Umbrella Academy actor has long been vocal about his opposition to Alberta’s proposed action. Page was one of more than 400 Canadian artists who signed an open letter denouncing what they described as “alarming and destructive” anti-trans legislation in the province.

Page was also on stage at the Juno Awards in Halifax to present musicians Tegan and Sara with the Humanitarian Award, after which they took aim at the province and the policies.

“We are dedicated to confronting any form of discrimination that threatens the well-being of our community, threats like the Alberta government’s attempt to prevent trans youth from accessing vital care,” the pair said at the time. “These attacks are harmful because they are directed at the kids who need our support the most.”

The province has previously said it is introducing this legislation to “preserve the choices children and youth have before potentially making life-altering and often irreversible adult decisions.”