Commencing this narrative with an expression of astonishment would be ideal, but sadly, what follows is an open secret—one that reveals the deeply entrenched toxic dynamics within the film industry, particularly in Hollywood.
In his memoir 'Pageboy,' Elliot Page shares a harrowing incident of homophobic aggression that occurred in 2014, during a birthday party in Los Angeles, a period when Page identified as a lesbian before embarking on his gender transition. In the chapter titled 'Famous Asshole at a Party,' Page recounts the verbal assault by another high-profile performer.
The aggressor brazenly declared, "You're not gay. That doesn't exist. You're just scared of men. I'm going to [expletive] you so you realize you're not gay." Days later, encountering Page at the gym, the individual attempted to downplay the incident with a disingenuous, "I have no problems with gays, I swear." These words, unfortunately, echo experiences familiar to many queer and trans individuals, illustrating the distressing reality of subtle and overt discrimination within predominantly cisgender and heteros---al environments.
Page, in including this story in the book, emphasizes the importance of shedding light on the unspoken moments that queer and trans individuals often endure. Reflecting on the incident, Page notes, "I've lived through various versions of that in my life. A lot of queer and trans people deal with it constantly." The decision to share such experiences is an attempt to address the challenges faced and navigate a world marked by extreme and blatant moments, as well as more subtle forms of discrimination often masked as jokes.
In a deliberate move, Page refrains from naming the aggressor, asserting that the person will recognize themselves. However, he underscores that those who permit such behavior within the Hollywood landscape hold positions of significant power. Within the cinematic Mecca, these powerful individuals shape narratives, determine which stories are told, and create content that reaches global audiences. Page sheds light on the systemic nature of the issue, emphasizing that those who allow such behaviors occupy influential positions within the industry.
