Netflix star Kit Connor has said he was "forced" to come out as bisexual.
The Heartstopper actor, 18, suggested he only came out because he was “forced to do so”. In a tweet shared to his one million followers, the Elton John biopic Rocketman actor said: “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."
Kit has previously spoken out against social media users speculating on his sexuality especially those who “pressure” members of the LGBTQ+ community to come out when “maybe we’re not ready”. In May of this year, the star tweeted: “Twitter is so funny man. Apparently, some people on here know my sexuality better than I do…”
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The actor, originally from London, had revealed he was quitting the social media app last month after a video of him allegedly holding hands with Cuban Girl’s Guide star Maia Reficco began to circulate. Social media users and so-called fans were quick to accuse Kit of queerbaiting after watching the clip.
Queerbaiting is a marketing technique for fiction and entertainment in which creators hint at, but then do not depict, same-sex romance or other LGBTQ+ representation. The purpose is to attract an LGBTQ+ or straight ally audience with the suggestion or possibility of relationships or characters that appeal to them and is often said to be used to profit of said community.
Following the video being posted online, Kit said he would be deleting the “silly, silly app", but now has come back after a self-imposed hiatus to announce he is bisexual (Monday, October 31).
Among those showing their support for the teenager includes professional swimmer and TV personality, Michael Gunning. He wrote: “Reading tweets like this is heartbreaking… especially when Heartstopper taught so many people around the world the true value of someone’s personal coming out story. I’m so sorry you had this moment taken away from you Kit, but let’s hope people will learn from it.”
Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman said: “I truly don't understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes. I hope all those people are embarrassed as ****. Kit you are amazing." Joe Locke, Kit’s on-screen boyfriend in Heartstopper, added: “You owe nothing to anyone. I’m so proud of you my friend.”
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Stonewall, the largest LGBTQ+ rights organisation in Europe, said: “Sending all our love and solidarity Kit. Nobody should ever be forced to come out before they are ready. This is your own journey and no one else's!
Kit rose to fame earlier this year after starring in Netflix’s heartwarming series. The critically acclaimed show focuses on 14-year-old Charlie, played by Joe Locke, as he navigates through life and deals with his crush on popular rugby jock Nick, played by Kit.
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 reliability. Seasons two and three of the show were confirmed by Netflix earlier this year with season two already underway with filming.
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