The Umbrella Academy star revealed how his life has “dramatically” improved nearly two years after coming out as transgender.
On the June 21 episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers, he said, “I think of the times in my life when I was the most angry and I was the most unkind to myself or self-righteous or all of those things.”
“It has significantly improved my life.” I hope that those who disagree with me can try to hear that and accept it on some level. “
The 35-year-old, who has frequently criticized anti-trans legislation, explained that while he tries to lead with empathy, it is not always easy.
“I feel like it’s one of those things that’s so unfortunate because, you know, we’re all on the same team here,” he told host Seth Meyers. “Whether you’re trans, gender nonconforming, or cis, we all have these expectations, limits, and constraints as a result of people’s obsession with the binary and how we’re all supposed to live our lives.”
“It’d be so special for us all to be able to connect and talk about how similar we are in all of our journeys,” he continued.
Even though his closest friends and family were “not surprised” by his decision to transition, Elliot thanked them for their love and support.
“So much is being said about this issue by people who aren’t experiencing it firsthand or who don’t know anyone who is.”
He revealed “If you know a loved one, this news will come as less of a surprise than those of us on the outside would expect.”
Elliot is focusing on the positive rather than the “overwhelming” parts of the last two years.
“What I want to focus on right now and what has been so extraordinary is the level of joy and presence that I feel,” he explained. “I feel in ways I never thought possible in a long, long time.”
“A lot of the time, I was just trying to get by,” he admitted. “And so, embracing the experience as much as I can now, I believe it has improved me in so many ways, as a person, a friend, and [in] relationships.”