The memoir will detail Page’s raw and uncut story - starting from the beginning of his Oscar nominated career, to now being regarded as one of the most influential activists and artists within the transgender community. At just the tender age of 20, Page was nominated for his Oscar for his outstanding performance in the film Juno back in 2007. At the time, Page became the fourth-youngest nominee for the Academy Award.
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However, this isn’t the mere rags-to-riches story that many artists end up portraying in their memoirs. Page has confirmed that this memoir is meant to paint the picture of what it’s like to experience and deal with violent homophobia - within and out of the industry. Page was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he recounts his life experiences in Canada before he had transitioned or come out. Flatiron Books released a statement stating that, “The memoir will delve into Page’s relationship with his body, his experiences as one of the most famous trans people in the world, and will cover mental health, assault, love, relationships, sex, and the cesspool that Hollywood can be.” Deadline reported on the $3 million deal Page made with Flatiron Books.
He goes into detail on horrific incidents, one of which involves him getting a beer thrown at his face while at a bar in Toronto. As Page’s presence and spotlight within Hollywood began to grow stronger, so did the homophobia and threats. He found himself as an increasingly vulnerable target. He laments in his memoir of being accustomed to the sensation of random people shouting LGBTQ slurs and subsequently being chased out of restaurants.
At the time, Page was closeted, and experiencing these types of dangerous threats on a regular basis made it seem as though coming out wasn’t ever going to be a concrete reality. Although he doesn’t disclose any big names within the industry in the memoir, stars in Hollywood abusing their power is without a doubt present within the pages. Page bravely speaks out about a male film director who tried to seduce her while on set, when she was just 16 years old. Then of course, many can’t forget the moment that a huge star within the industry verbally harassed Page in an explosive homophobic rant at a party.
This incident happened to be right after Page had just come out as queer to the world - a world that had been steadily opposing his own truth outwardly each day. Despite all the adversity, Page has somehow found a way to not only live and speak his truth despite the violence and hate being projected onto him, but to tell his story to hopefully inspire and help others feel less alone. Pageboy will be a revolutionary story about transgender identity. However, even more importantly, it will convey the fearlessness that is required in order to be boldly who you are in a world that consistently tries to silence it.
Pageboy will be released in 2023.
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Source: Deadline
