Heartstopper Is Perfect For The Younger Queer Audience

Mikayla Leskey | Arts and Entertainment Editor

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I couldn’t count the amount of projects I’ve done on the importance of Queer representation in media, especially for younger audiences, but the show Heartstopper, a LGBTQ+ coming-of-age TV show proves it. Not only does Heartstopper have a diverse cast of characters, it also breaches topics other shows aren’t prepared to do. 

In fact, in the very first episode, Charlie, one of the main characters, is sexually assaulted by an ex-boyfriend. The assault itself doesn’t go much further than forcibly kissing, before Nick Nelson, Charlie’s crush, saves him. I know what you’re thinking, how in any way can a sexual assault be suitable for younger audiences? 

To say the least, it teaches them what’s okay in a relationship and what’s not. Before Charlie’s ex, Ben, assaults him, and before Charlie broke up with him, we got a glimpse at what their relationship was like. It was always Ben ignoring Charlie until he wanted something. Ben would straight up refuse to acknowledge Charlie in public, going as far as pretending he doesn’t know him. 

Not every kid has someone they can talk to about relationships or whatever situation they’re going through at that time. Seeing a character going through the same that they’re going through, can help. It makes life feel a little easier at times, knowing you’re not the only one going through it, or that if that character can go through, that means they can too. 

Heartstopper also goes through the process of understanding your sexual identity, in later seasons, gender identity too. When starting the show, Charlie already knew he was gay, he was out privately publicly, and unwillingly outed in public. But we get to see the process of Nick discovering that he’s queer and how he goes about telling everyone. 

The scene where Nick finally lets himself try and figure out if he’s queer or not is probably one of the best scenes in LGBTQ+ media. It’s at the end of episode two and beginning of episode three of Heartstopper, where Nick googles ‘Am I Gay?’ If you’re not queer, you probably won’t understand the pivotal moment that this scene holds. I’m pretty sure almost every queer teen or young adult has googled that question before, I know I have, and all of my friends too. 

Even when reactions to that scene came in, almost every one was about how real that scene was. The fear of discovering more about yourself, and the relief at being able to put a label to who you are, it’s amazing and tough all at the same time. That scene encapsulates it perfectly. After that scene, we see Nick coming to terms with his sexuality, and how he goes to present himself to his friends, family, and classmates. Eventually it leads to him coming out at the end of season two.

Besides the LGBTQ+ element, Heartstopper also delves into bullying, homophobia, mental health, and eating disorders. It’s a lot to cover, and most of it isn’t even talked about in season one, in fact I’m pretty it’s mostly just foreshadowing in season one that leads to bigger plot points in season two and three. 

Again, I’m reiterating how nice it is to have a character that is going through the same thing as you. It reminds you that you can also get through your own personal hell. Heartstopper encourages people to reach out to their loved ones when they’re suffering with mental health or a bad relationship, etcetera. I know a lot of people could’ve benefitted from this show when we were in Middle School or early High School. 

Speaking of High School, Heartstopper came out when I was a Junior in High School. At the time, my friends and I were absolutely obsessed with the show. We couldn’t get enough, actually. Now, most of them find it cringey or too cheesy to watch. I’ll admit, it’s tough to get through sometimes, but I’ll still watch it, even if it’s for nostalgia’s sake, or so more TV studios understand that this is the type of content we need. But also, we’re adults now, we don’t need this coming-of-age romance. But, younger kids do. They need to know that the world isn’t in black-or-white or that it’s okay for them to be who they are.