There is a worrisome lack of queer representation in media.
This scarcity of portrayal in film and television work is made worse by censorship and the cancellation of queer shows after one season, or straight up killing off gay characters for shock value (looking at you, “Killing Eve”).
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is Season 2 of the Netflix show “Heartstopper,” an adaptation of an ongoing webcomic by Alice Oseman, which has been running since 2016.
The episodes, dropped Aug. 3, are where we meet Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) for the second time around, now a fully-fledged couple and navigating the struggles of coming out. Unlike straight couples, they do not get the luxury of simply being together. They must explain to everybody what this relationship means, and deal with an onslaught of invasive questions and homophobia. Nick, a rugby player, especially must deal with the brunt of it, being a bisexual man around people who don’t regard bisexuality as a real identity.
Other queer experiences are navigated over the course of the season. We return to our unapologetically lesbian couple – the dancer, Tara (Corinna Brown), and the chaotic Darcy (Kizzy Edgell)– learning things about the other they haven’t before. Elle Argent (Yazmin Finney), a trans girl, finally gets her rom-com character arc with her straight best friend, Tao Xu (William Gao), and even meets other trans people at an art school she considers going to: Naomi (Bel Priestley), a trans woman, and Felix (Ash Self) a non-binary person.
We also meet new characters as well: book loving James McEwan (Bradley Riches), teacher, Mr. Farouk (Nima Taleghani), and guitarist, Sahar Zahid (Leila Khan).
The queer experiences in this show aren’t just about romantic love, they also encompass the lack of it entirely. Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan) relegated to the sidelines in the first season, finally gets to explore his own identity. All of his friends are falling in love, having their dream romances, and reassuring him that he will get one as well. But why does he have to get one to be valid? Does he really want one, or does society make it so he feels he has no choice?
What is deeply important to preface is that none of these characters are the same. Being queer isn’t their only identity, as characters come with a vast array of backgrounds, hobbies, and experiences.
While the show is created by a white woman, representation is still deeply important and it becomes easier to be seen in these characters, especially when a lot of queer characters in media have historically been white and able-bodied. And the actors are all queer (or trans, even the ones not playing trans characters) and all support the LGBT community. Many main and supporting characters are nonwhite as well and have varying body types, like Sahar, who is plus sized and not the brunt of the joke.
The queer relationships onscreen are not relegated to just queerness, and it is made clear that they are just like any other relationship. Tara and Darcy especially have trouble communicating with each other, and Tao feels as if he will never be as perfect as Elle. And many other important issues are addressed, such as mental health, bullying, eating disorders, and toxic relationships.
But the best part of this show is that it isn’t a tragedy. It never has been, and it never will be. While angst happens, these characters get a chance to simply … be.
Being queer is also having an awkward first date where you hardly know what to say to the other. It’s going to parties and making stupid mistakes. It’s going out with your friends and buying a suit for a prom you plan to ditch anyway. It’s kissing in hallways and bedrooms and museums. It’s dancing with your partner and dancing with your friends, it’s family dinners and a first love you thought you’d never get. It’s hugging your friends and avoiding studying for exams, it’s meeting the others’ parents and not knowing what to expect.
In the end, no matter how messy, queerness is full of joy.
And that’s what makes “Heartstopper” truly magical.
