Elliot Page has spoken about undergoing ‘life-changing’ top surgery, appearing on The Oprah Conversation in his first television interview since coming out as transgender in December 2020. 

“It’s being able to touch my chest and feel comfortable in my body — for the, probably the first time,” the 34-year-old actor says, adding that he feels a “newfound energy, because it is such a freeing, freeing experience”.

“I want people to know that not only has it, you know, been life-changing for me. I do believe it’s been life-saving and it’s the case for so many people.”

Page goes on to address the recent surge in legislation across the US that outlaws young transgender people from accessing certain medical treatments. In 2020 and 2021, legislators have introduced over 75 bills that specifically target trans youth, including dictating their access to healthcare and school activities.

“There is such an attack on trans healthcare right now, when already there’s such lack of access,” he says, adding that the treatment of young trans people made last year’s announcement all the more “crucial and important”. “In this time we’re in right now and especially with this horrible backlash we’re seeing towards trans people, particularly trans youth, it really felt imperative.”

Elsewhere, Page discusses being nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, for his starring role in the 2008 film Juno. He also recalls collapsing while promoting Christopher Nolan’s Inception. “There was so much press and so many premieres all around the world, and I was wearing dresses and heels to pretty much every single event,” he says.

“I lost it… that night, after the premiere at the afterparty, I collapsed. That’s something that’s happened frequently in my life, usually corresponding with a panic attack.”

After coming out as transgender last year, Page expressed gratitude for the support from his fans and the wider trans community, but accused political leaders of having blood on their hands for denying trans people’s rights to exist. “I am one of those people,” he said at the time. “And we won’t be silent in the face of your attacks.”

Elliot Page’s The Oprah Conversation interview is available to watch now via Apple TV+.