Elliot Page pays tribute to Pride Month
Elliot Page, formerly known as “Ellen” Page, revealed that he is a trans man back in December 2020. Ever since, Page has become more comfortable with his gender identity: earlier last week, the Hollywood actor took and posted their first topless swimsuit pic onto Instagram, just in time for Pride Month.
Closer to home, Pataradanai “Koen” Setsuwan, former member of boy band K-Otic, echoed Elliot Page’s brave attempt at showcasing the voice of the LGBTQ+ community via his expressions of gender fluidity through fashion.
Here’s how the two are empowering the LGBTQ+ community through different means of representation on social media.
More inspiring LGBTQ+ stories:
- What it’s like growing up gay in Thailand
- It’s 2021 and I’m tired of getting misgendered
- I’m gay but I’m against the same-sex partnership bill
Elliot Page goes topless on IG despite his fears and anxieties
Despite his “life-changing” and “life-saving” surgery, and the privileges he enjoys as a Caucasian, Elliot Page expressed that he is in a constant battle as he journeys to become who he really is.
The anti-trans sentiment and comments directed at him on a daily basis don’t help either.
Yet, amidst the hardships, Page has decided to proudly showcase his body moving forward, by debuting his six-pack in an IG post on 24th May, just as Pride Month enters the scene, reported The Straits Times.
The picture was posted with a caption, “Trans bb’s first swim trunks #transjoy #transisbeautiful”
Image credit: @elliotpage
Elliott is not only using his social media platform to help empower the LGBTQ+ community, but he’s also co-producing the series Gaycation and granting interviews to renowned publications like TIME – all to help shed light on the community and stigma faced by its members.
Meanwhile in Thailand, former singer Koen is echoing Page’s activism in his own way.
Koen K-Otic collabs with Converse to raise voice for LGBTQ+ community
Koen, who identifies himself as a queer with preferred pronouns of they/them, has been encouraging people against assigning a gender to fashion.
They urge the public to wear whatever pieces they like, be it masculine or feminine. They are often seen wearing feminine outfits including dresses in bright pink colours.
Recently, in the “Converse City Forests” campaign, the Thai activist explained that they see no gender in things like clothes and colours. Hence, they believe that no matter what the person’s gender identity, they can wear anything.
With over 600,000 Instagram followers, Koen hopes to use their fame to pave the way for a more pluralistic society.
Image credit: @koendanai
Whilst what they’re doing can simply be seen as living their truth, Koen deserves recognition for their extending efforts to normalise gender fluidity and fashion, and to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.
In celebration of Pride Month
As it is Pride Month, what better way to start it with than recognising brave individuals who are taking public stands – like Elliot Page and Koen Pataradanai – to better empower the LGBTQ+ community?
We hope that Page and Koen’s stories will only be positive fuel for those who have been waiting a lifetime to finally embrace themselves.
More stories with perspectives:
- The truth behind Thai university’s hazing culture
- “Minor wife” culture in Thailand
- Being a sex worker during the pandemic
Cover images adapted from (L-R): @elliotpage, @koendanai
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