Heartstopper’s Charlie Spring is the best representation of LGBTQ+ people on TV: ‘He’s not afraid of being gay’
Heartstopper has become the most adored Netflix series following its debut in April.Based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, the joyous Netflix has been celebrated by millions of fans totally enamoured by the blossoming love story between school boys Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (Joe Locke).
Heartstopper has been widely praised by viewers for its authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling, with countless fans feeling inspired to come out to their own families as a result.As everyone will be out and about celebrating 50 years of Pride this weekend, award-winning director Oliver Warren – who was recently named one of the International Screenwriter’s Associations top 25 Screenwriters to Watch – explained why he believes Charlie’s character stands out from the rest.‘Charlie, he’s not ashamed of being gay.,’ he told Metro.co.uk.‘And he still carries elements of shame around with them, which most people in the LGBTQ plus community do, because it’s something that is ingrained when you’re younger, and even still for kids.’To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video‘Charlie still has that in him, but it’s not his motivating force.
And I think what’s interesting is you see how elements of society awaken that in him,’ he added.Older queer viewers have also praised Heartstopper for offering positive representation for LGBTQ+ youth, which they didn’t have growing up.‘I grew up in the 90s, and before Queer as Folk, there really wasn’t anything on TV,’ Warren added.‘The beautiful thing about the story and about seeing yourself on screen and representation as it kind of gives.
