Ben Madilynn
The second season of the popular British drama series “Heartstopper” has recently been released on Netflix, garnering immense attention and praise from viewers and critics alike. The show, based on Alice Oseman’s webcomics, revolves around the romantic relationship between two high school students, Charlie and Nick, and explores their journey of self-discovery and acceptance. With a diverse cast and relatable storylines, “Heartstopper” has struck a chord with many LGBTQ+ teenagers, providing them with a sense of solace and representation.
The show’s portrayal of Charlie’s experience of being outed as gay in eighth grade resonated particularly with Sharan Sahota, a 16-year-old pansexual teenager. Sahota, like Charlie, was outed at a young age and found solace in witnessing a similar ordeal being depicted on screen. Watching the characters navigate through their struggles and ultimately find happiness has given Sahota hope and reassurance in her own journey. She notes, “If they can get through it, and they’re living happily, so can I.”
Sahota, along with her friends Oscar Wittams-Nangle and Ari Michaluk, both 16, attended a “Heartstopper” watch party in London. This trio, who regularly attend a youth club run by the charity Mosaic L.G.B.T.+ Young Persons’ Trust, discussed the show’s relevance and accuracy, as well as its refreshing approach to sexuality and relationships.
When asked about the relevance of coming out in their generation, the group acknowledged that it still carries significance, especially when it comes to parents. Wittams-Nangle shared his personal experience, stating that while coming out was a pressure he felt from others, it wasn’t something he necessarily felt he needed to do for himself.
Michaluk expressed that it would be a better message for the show to highlight that individuals don’t need to come out to everyone to be true to themselves. He emphasized, “You can just exist as an L.G.B.T. person, and just be in a relationship without having to tell everyone that you are this way.”
One notable aspect of “Heartstopper” is its departure from the trope of tragic queer stories. The show focuses on authentic and relatable experiences without overdramatizing or sensationalizing them. Michaluk appreciates how the characters in the show address and resolve their issues through conversation, rather than succumbing to unnecessary conflict. He contrasts this with shows like “Euphoria,” which tend to depict queer experiences as deeply miserable.
The absence of explicit sexual content in “Heartstopper” also intrigued the group. Wittams-Nangle applauded the show for moving beyond the idea that sexuality is purely about sex, emphasizing that it encompasses one’s identity and sense of community. Michaluk echoed this sentiment, stating that the show authentically portrays the experience of being gay in a heteronormative society, highlighting that it’s not about being proud but about navigating a complex social landscape.
While the group appreciated the show’s positivity, they also acknowledged certain aspects that could be further explored. Wittams-Nangle pointed out that the character of Harry, a queerphobic bully, is relatively sanitized compared to real-life experiences. Michaluk highlighted the lack of representation of trans experiences, particularly in relation to Elle’s transition, which is not depicted on the show. They believed that these struggles, though difficult, needed to be acknowledged in media to provide a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Another topic of discussion was the fact that the two main characters, Charlie and Nick, are cisgender white boys. Michaluk expressed that this choice makes the show less relatable to her as a trans woman. She noted that by presenting cis white boys as the default, the show fails to represent the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Wittams-Nangle acknowledged the complexity of creating a show that accurately captures the varied experiences of queer individuals, stating that perfection is impossible, but representation is crucial.
In conclusion, “Heartstopper” has made a significant impact on LGBTQ+ teenagers, providing them with representation, relatability, and hope. The show’s ability to capture authentic experiences while maintaining a positive and aspirational tone has resonated with its audience. While the viewers appreciate the show’s representation, they also highlight the importance of addressing the challenges and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, “Heartstopper” has emerged as a comfort show for many, offering genuine and heartfelt storytelling that reflects the realities faced by British LGBTQ+ teenagers.
