Who Is Elliot Page’s Wife, Emma Portner?
Juno star Elliot Page shared his name and pronouns (he/they) with the world on Dec. 1, prompting countless messages of love in response. One of those positive responses was from Emma Portner, Page’s wife.
While Page has enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood for over a decade, fans might not be familiar with his spouse, as they have kept their relationship rather private. So, let’s get to know Portner.
Elliot Page announced he’s transgender in a powerful statement on Dec. 1
In a tweeted statement, Page shared his truth with the world.
“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot,” his statement said. “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.”
“I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported my along this journey,” the Oscar nominee continued. “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.” As the statement continued:
“I also ask for patience. My joy is real, but it is also fragile. The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared. I’m scared of invasiveness, the hate, the ‘jokes’ and of violence. To be clear, I am not trying to dampen a moment that is joyous and one that I celebrate, but I want to address the full picture. The statistics are staggering. The discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences. In 2020 alone, it has been reported that at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women. To the political leaders who work to criminalize trans health care and deny our right to exist and to all of those with a massive platform who continue to spew hostility towards the trans community: you have blood on your hands. You unleash a fury of vile and demeaning rage that lands on the shoulders of the trans community, a community in which 40% of trans adults report attempting suicide. Enough is enough. You aren’t being ‘cancelled,’ you are hurting people. I am one of those people and we won’t be silent in the face of your attacks.
I love that I am trans. I love that I am queer. And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive. To all trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.
Emma Portner expressed love and support for Page
Portner called the Inception alum’s existence a “gift in and of itself” on Instagram following his powerful announcement.
“I am so proud of @elliotpage,” Portner wrote. “Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world. I also ask for patience & privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day. Elliot’s existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much.”
Page and Portner announced their marriage in 2018
Page announced his and the 26-year-old’s marriage on Jan. 3, 2018, on Instagram.
“Can’t believe I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife,” he wrote at the time, sharing photos that showed their wedding band-clad hands, the two of them kissing, and Portner in a wooded area.
Portner is a 26-year-old dancer and choreographer. She went viral in 2012 when her “Dancing in the Dark” piece with dance partner Matt Luck went viral. In the time since, she has choreographed for and toured with Justin Bieber, among other work. According to her website, her art explores themes of “physical narratives, environmental studies, and child sexual abuse awareness.”
Her gig with Bieber came about after Parris Goebel (Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty show choreographer) saw “Dancing in the Dark” and showed it to the Changes singer. Portner then choreographed and starred in Bieber’s “Life is Worth Living” music video in 2015.
After having worked with him, Portner called Bieber out for his alleged mistreatment of women in 2019. She accused the singer of paying unfair wages and supporting an anti-LGBTQ+ church. (Bieber has long attended the Hillsong Church, the same church Page openly criticized Chris Pratt for supporting.)
“The way you degrade women is an abomination,” Portner said in the statement. “You continue to collaborate with overly problematic people. You religiously go to a church that does not support the LGBTQ+ community. Your company hired an out lesbian in your music video, and to choreograph some content for your purpose world tour. How do you feel about that? A lesbian, HELPING YOU, for a disrespectful amount of money, as you attend a church that goes against my existence?”
Portner clearly has no qualms advocating for her beliefs. And her response to Page’s Dec. 1 announcement is a beautiful example of people affirming their trans partners’ identities.
