Fans and the creator behind the hit Netflix series Heartstopper are rallying behind star Kit Connor, who was forced to come out as bisexual after trolls online accused him of queerbaiting.
via Variety:
The 18-year-old actor made a rare appearance on Twitter Monday, writing: “Back for a minute. I’m bi. Congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.”
Though Connor didn’t specify why he felt forced to come out, some have recently accused the actor of “queerbaiting” on social media. The controversy began after photos emerged of him holding hands with Maia Reficco, his co-star in “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow.”
In “Heartstopper,” Connor plays Nick Nelson, a popular rugby player who befriends Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring; the two develop a romantic relationship.
Alice Oseman, the creator, writer and showrunner of “Heartstopper,” immediately shared her support for Connor in a reply to his tweet.
“I truly don’t understand how people can watch ‘Heartstopper’ and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes,” Oseman wrote. “I hope all those people are embarrassed as FUCK. Kit you are amazing.”
In interviews with Variety, Oseman, Connor and star Joe Locke all spoke on what they hope the Netflix series, which started production on Season 2 in September, can mean to young queer people.
“If ‘Heartstopper’ helps a young queer person in their coming out journey, or if it helps a parent understand their child a little bit better, it is the most lovely and heartwarming thing you could hear and makes it feel like it’s all worth it,” Oseman said.
Connor added, “To have a show where you see queer people being happy and being together and united as a group, I think there’s something really beautiful about that. I think that shows like ‘Euphoria’ that are very queer are still very much sort of adult in many ways because they are very dark and gritty. I think it’s really important to have a show that is just portraying queer love and queer beauty.”
See fan’s support for Connor below.
I think it's ridiculous that in 2022 we're still debating an actor's sexuality whenever they portray a queer character on TV and film. Do we ask if an actor is a serial killer or a pedophile when they portray one? Why are we so obsessed with someone's sexuality?
I also think this whole idea of queerbating and gatekeeping sexuality is beyond ridiculous. It's unfortunate that Kit feels he has to reveal a part of his private life that he wasn't ready to share with the public in order to shut people up.
He's 18 for Christ sakes. Most 18 year olds are at the beginning stages of figuring themselves out as they step into adulthood.
I also feel this is why a lot of actors are hesitant to come out.
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