Ian McKellen regrets not realizing Elliott Page’s struggle during X-Men

Ian McLean Use a recent interview with Attitude Magazine To show support for himTenth of the menHe participated in the acting Elliott Page After it went out As a transgender in a social media post in December. Paige joins the „X-Men“ franchise as the mutated Kitty Pryde in „X-Men: The Last Stand,“ which is McKellen’s third movie to play Magneto after „X-Men“ and „X2: X-Men United.“ The two actors worked together again on „X-Men: Days of Future Past“.

“Everything gets better when you get out because you get confidence,” McKellen said, reflecting his own experiences as a gay man in Hollywood. „So relationships improve, friends of all kinds, family, if you’re lucky. And in my case, I think in every case, your representation is bound to change and improve.“

McKellen regretted not being aware of Paige’s identity struggle when they worked together on the „X-Men“ films. The Magneto actor recalled that the page was quiet while filming and didn’t speak, and it’s not the page he saw later in life where Paige came out (first as gay in 2014, then as transgender in 2020) and began using his voice to advocate on behalf of gay and transgender rights.

“I remember Elliot Page, in one of the ‚X-Men‘, sitting close to us now. And I had to speak up when they finished, and I couldn’t hear what they were saying,” McKellen said. Nobody can hear what they’re saying. So, I said, „Look, if you can’t talk, do you mind when you’re done speaking, just drop your hand so I know when you’re done speaking?“

McKellen continued, “And then they walked out [as gay] Years later and suddenly you couldn’t stop them from speaking. I heard everything. And now … they are Elliott. And I’m so happy for Elliott. I felt so disappointed in myself that I did not discover how difficult it was for them to communicate. „

Elliott Page They came out as transsexuals On December 1st, I wrote on social media, “I can’t begin to express how awesome it feels like to finally love who I am enough to follow my true self. Many in the transgender community have inspired me to no end. Thank you. For your courage, generosity and hard work to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will give all the support I can and will continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.

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