Elliot Page reflects on 'shame' of growing up as a queer kid and feeling 'excluded'

Actor and activist Elliot Page has opened up about the emotional challenges he faced growing up, recalling the “shame” and isolation he experienced as a queer child.

In an exclusive interview to People, Page described how he often felt alone during his childhood, saying those early experiences created a deep sense of exclusion and self-doubt. He explained that, at the time, he internalised those feelings, believing something was wrong with him because he did not see himself reflected in the world around him.

“You feel excluded, you feel like something’s wrong with you,” Page said, reflecting on that period of his life. He added that, in hindsight, he now recognises he was never truly alone, but the lack of representation and understanding made it feel that way growing up.

Page also connected those early experiences to broader issues of representation, emphasising how harmful it can be when queer identities are erased or underrepresented in education, media, and culture. He noted that this absence can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation for young people trying to understand themselves.

The actor has long spoken about the importance of visibility and inclusion, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, and has continued to use his platform to advocate for greater representation and acceptance. He has previously shared that coming out and living authentically has brought him a greater sense of peace and presence in his life.

The interview comes as Page continues his work as both an actor and producer, alongside advocacy projects that focus on identity, representation, and LGBTQ+ rights.