Anti-trans activist Riley Gaines is facing widespread criticism after directing an unsolicited attack at actor Elliot Page on social media, where users pushed back against her comments and accused her of targeting the actor without cause.
Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who has become a prominent figure opposing transgender inclusion in sports, shared her remarks on X on July 7 while responding to a video of Page signing autographs in London ahead of the premiere of his upcoming film, Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”
The video, originally shared by another anti-trans activist, prompted Gaines to comment on Page’s gender identity rather than the actor’s career or upcoming project.
“Not a single person with a functioning brain and a shred of honesty looks at this woman and sees a man,” Gaines wrote. “I see an insecure woman who was sold a lie that cutting off her body parts would make her something she will never become. Quite sad, really.”
The post quickly spread across social media, with many users criticizing Gaines for directing her attention toward Page and mocking what they described as an unnecessary fixation on the actor’s personal life.
Online Backlash Follows Gaines’ Comments
Page’s supporters quickly responded, defending the actor and condemning Gaines’ remarks. Many users pointed out that the post had nothing to do with Gaines’ stated focus on athletics and instead centered on attacking a transgender person’s identity.
Critics also highlighted what they viewed as a shift in Gaines’ public messaging. While Gaines has frequently said her activism is motivated by concerns about fairness in women’s sports, opponents argue that comments like her post about Page reflect broader anti-trans rhetoric.
Gaines has repeatedly spoken out against transgender participation in sports and has built a large following through her opposition to policies that allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity. Her public statements have frequently drawn backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, athletes and allies.
The latest controversy comes as Page continues promoting his work in Hollywood. The Oscar-nominated actor, known for films including “Juno” and “Inception,” has also become one of the most visible transgender actors in the entertainment industry since coming out publicly as transgender in 2020.
Fans Defend Elliot Page
Following Gaines’ post, many social media users questioned why Page’s appearance at a film event became a subject of political commentary.
Some critics mocked Gaines for spending time discussing an actor attending a movie premiere, while others condemned the language used in her statement as demeaning toward transgender people.
The backlash reflects ongoing tensions surrounding public discussions of transgender rights, particularly as LGBTQ+ issues continue to be debated across politics, entertainment and sports.
For many Page supporters, Gaines’ comments represented another example of transgender people being singled out in public conversations that extend beyond the issues activists claim to address.
Neither Page nor his representatives have publicly responded to Gaines’ remarks. The actor has continued his work in film and advocacy, including using his platform to speak about transgender visibility and representation.
Gaines’ post remains one of the latest examples of how conversations about transgender identity continue to generate heated reactions online, with public figures often facing criticism for comments directed at LGBTQ+ individuals.
