The stars of Netflix’s latest teen romance show have shared some advice for young LGBTQIA+ people.
Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Kit Connor, who act as the show’s two main characters, Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, stressed the importance of self-love and acceptance.
The critically acclaimed show focuses on 14-year-old Charlie as he navigates through life and deals with his crush on popular rugby jock Nick. The schoolboys learn their unlikely friendship might be something more than just a friendship. The eight-episode teen drama, based on the popular graphic novels by Alice Oseman, has been applauded for its positive queer representation and relatability.
READ MORE: Inside Joe Locke's breakout role and love life after Heartstopper debut
Now, being somewhat seen as queer icons, 18-year-old Joe told Digital Spy LGBTQIA+ people should remember “it’s just about being you”.
He said: "I think Heartstopper really celebrates people's differences and in general society, especially in high school and that sort of age bracket of people, it shows your differences and your flaws. When actually your differences are what make you you and so you should celebrate these and be really proud of them. I think Heartstopper really does that and that's a really lovely thing that we're able to show that in this series."
Co-star Kit, who also appeared in Elton John’s Biopic, Rocketman, echoed a similar sentiment but added there are “two sides to it” as young people shouldn’t feel pressured to put a label on their sexuality.
Speaking from experience, the 18-year-old actor, who recently called out Twitter users for thinking they knew more about his own sexuality than he did, said: “It's very much about self-love and self-acceptance – that's one of the main things that we're preaching. You know, there are kind of two sides of it. It's very much trying to tell queer teens that you should absolutely aim to express yourself completely and be authentically yourself. But, at the same time, it's not also pressuring you to put a label on yourself immediately and immediately work out (who you are). It's fine to not know. We try to show that there are two sides to it, that it's okay to be unsure."
Heartstopper is streaming on Netflix. Seasons 2 and 3 have been confirmed.
