Full Breakdown
Elliot Page Discusses “Healthy Masculinity” on Podcast
6/17/2026, 10:13:09 PM
Core Definition and Personal Insight
Transgender actor Elliot Page described “healthy masculinity” as moving away from the impulse or expectation to shut down emotionally. In an interview on the “It’s Open with Ilana Glazer” podcast, he said it involves rejecting self-imposed rules that encourage emotional closure and conformist behavior, and includes everyday habits such as staying hydrated and encouraging men to “love themselves.”
Background and Public Profile
Page, who came out as transgender in 2020 and uses he/they pronouns, first gained recognition for an Oscar-nominated performance in the 2007 film “Juno.” Subsequent roles include “Inception,” the “X-Men” franchise, and the series “Odyssey.” His transition and public visibility have positioned him as a commentator on gender-related topics.
Key Participants
The discussion occurred on the “It’s Open with Ilana Glazer” podcast, hosted by comedian Ilana Glazer. The episode examined gender identity, public perception, and the evolving definition of masculinity as experienced by a public figure undergoing transition.
Official Statements & Responses
Page said healthy masculinity requires rejecting the cultural expectation to remain emotionally closed. He noted that the shift includes practical self-care, such as drinking water, and a willingness to express vulnerability, including crying. He also described a personal change in photographs, moving from avoiding smiles to a more open demeanor after transitioning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Healthy masculinity, to me, is or even just something I’ve felt as, like, transitioning, is like leaning away from whenever there is some sort of impulse or expectation you’ve put on yourself to, like, shut down,” — Elliot Page, actor
- “I remember kind of being like, ‘Oh, Elliot, maybe you should talk with your hands a little less, or, you know, maybe in pictures you’re...' because ever since transitioning now, I’m like smiling in those photos. Whereas, I used to be so like, I could barely look at a photo of myself. I was always like, you know, and now (smiling).” — Elliot Page, actor
- “And I’m, like, having that moment where I’m, like, ‘Oh, should I also not? Should I also be closed off? It’s just like, what the f---, Elliot?' What are you talking about? Like, oh, honey, you’re part of the problem,” — Elliot Page, actor
Why It Matters
Page’s articulation of healthy masculinity contributes to conversations about gender expectations, especially as they intersect with transgender experiences. By framing emotional openness as a masculine attribute, the remarks challenge traditional notions of “toxic masculinity” and suggest alternative models of male behavior that incorporate vulnerability and self-care.
What’s Next
Fox News Digital contacted Page’s representatives for comment; no response was reported. The podcast episode may prompt further media analysis of masculinity norms and influence public dialogues about gender identity and emotional health.
