'The Umbrella Academy' Sets Bar High With Their Treatment To Elliot Page's Transition

Elliot Page has been part of The Umbrella Academy even before they came out as a transgender person in 2020. Elliot, before they came out, was essaying the character of Vanya Hargreeves who is a woman. While everyone expected the character to undergo changes, significant ones at that, the way showmakers handled it has been lauded by the viewers.

Page came out as a trans man in 2020 and by then two seasons of the show had already aired where he had played Vanya. The makers of the show however handled it gracefully and had reportedly, begun setting a foundation for the change since season 2. Allegedly, Vanya finding love in the single mother of Dallas, Sissy was the first hint toward the significant changes.

Elliot Page's Transition In The Umbrella Academy

In season 3, the makers continued it from there by portraying Vanya transforming into Viktor Hargreeves by getting a haircut and ditching his long hair and changing his feminine clothes to masculine ones. The interesting part was Viktor's coming out in front of his family and declaring that he was no longer their sister but a brother. Instead of creating any unnecessary drama around it, it was simply “I’m Viktor, always have been.” Short and precise. And the response was even delightful.

Instead of opposing him or asking protruding questions, the other siblings accepted Viktor and expressed happiness for him. "Really happy for you Viktor," a sibling said.

Number One even tries to make it special by organising a party to make him feel loved. While Number Five only affirms that Viktor is loved no matter what. The entire scene is a lesson that trans people don't want a celebration or attention on coming out, all they need is acceptance and normal and casual behaviour as they received before coming out.

Instead of making a big deal of it, the makers smoothly handled the sensitive matter and made it casual, something that we expect it to be. A celebration, discussion and special treatment are not necessary unless the person wants it themselves. And that's what the season depicted. Makers should take note of it how to address character transition and LGBTQIA+ characters aptly.

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