Heartstopper became the most beloved Netflix series after its debut in April.
Based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, the joyous Netflix was celebrated by millions of fans who are completely in love with the thriving love story between schoolboys Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (Joe Locke).
Heartstopper has been widely praised by viewers for its authentic LGBTQ + storytelling, with numerous fans feeling inspired to reach out to their own families as a result.
Older foreign viewers also praised Heartstopper for providing positive representation for LGBTQ + youth, which they did not have when they were growing up.
As everyone celebrates 50 years of Pride this weekend, award-winning director Oliver Warren – who was recently named one of the International Screenwriters ‘Associations’ top 25 screenwriters to watch – explained why he believes Charlie’s character stands out above the rest .
“Charlie, he’s not ashamed to be gay,” he said Metro.co.uk.
‘And he still carries elements of shame around them, which most people in the LGBTQ plus community do, because it’s something that is ingrained when you’re younger, and even for children.
‘Charlie still has it in him, but it’s not his motivating power. And I think what’s interesting is that you see how elements of society awaken it in him, ”he added.
Older foreign viewers also praised Heartstopper for providing positive representation for LGBTQ + youth, which they did not have when they were growing up.
“I grew up in the ’90s, and before Queer as Folk there was really nothing on TV,” Warren added.
‘The nice thing about the story and to see yourself on screen and presentation as it kind of gives. It gives a language to your inner monologue, and I did not have the language to understand my sexuality. “And that’s something I only really came across when I went to university and started meeting gay people. ‘
Over the past 20 years, we’ve been introduced to memorable characters who paved the way for LGBTQ +’s performance of The Office’s Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez) Sex Education’s Eric Effiong, (Ncuti Gatwa) and It’s A Sin’s Roscoe Babatunde (Omari Douglas) .
However, transgender rights activist and director Jake Graf – best known for his role in The Danish Girl and Colette – believes that more programs should include ‘multifaceted’ characters such as Euphoria’s Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer).
“It’s very encouraging that Jules’ character is one of the more cohesive characters,” he said. Metro.co.uk.
‘She appears as a wise soul in a young body, and she looks more like the rest of the cast, who are all pretty flawed.
‘She’s not entirely clear on all of this, she’s appearing as the wiser people to whom people come for help and advice, even Nate (Jacob Elordi) has a huge infatuation with her that he can not talk about because she’s in love on a trans girl means you are, in his mind, gay.
“But she’s flat on the ground about everything, and is aware of her place in society and does not let her limit her.”
He continued: ‘It’s not mentioned at any stage that she’s transgender, and of course you know that, but it’s never a conversation, it’s never an issue.
‘She’s a very nuanced character, a very supportive character. She picks up Rue (Zendaya) whenever she’s having a bad time, or has fallen into addiction again.
‘Of course she has dalliances with Nate’s father (Cal Jacobs) which is not great, but for the most part she’s a positive, strong female character. The young trans girls watching Euphoria must feel incredibly encouraged that there is this high school girl moving through life without a doubt and unhindered by the bonds of gender.
‘I love Euphoria, I think it’s great and it’s super weird. And this is what we need to see, and the same with Heartstopper. It makes you feel like you’m not alone, and it’s incredibly positive that we’re seeing it. ‘
Heartstopper is available to stream on Netflix.
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