Heartstopper star Kit Connor has addressed his recent struggle with coming out as bisexual amid speculation and accusation of queerbaiting. The actor came out publicly last October, stating at the time that he felt forced to do so. This outward accusation seemed to stir a response from the public.
The 18-year-old actor has recently surged to fame following his appearance in the Netflix series, Heartstopper, based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels of the same name. In the story, Connor plays the part of Nick Nelson, a rugby player who begins questioning his sexuality after meeting fellow student Charlie Spring – portrayed by Joe Locke. Nick Nelson eventually comes out as bisexual.
“Back for a minute. I’m bi. Congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself,” he announced on Twitter. “I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.”
Connor’s tweet received widespread support from fans and colleagues, with many condemning the rash, abusive comments of some viewers. Following isolated instances of online abuse, the actor decided to leave Twitter.
In a new interview with Vogue, Connor discussed his ordeal. “I think there’s almost a feeling that because I’d been in the industry for a little while, there was almost this understanding that it’s like, ‘Oh, well, he can take it’,” he said.
Continuing, he addressed his wording in the original come-out tweet. “I think ‘forced’ isn’t the right word I would use, but I would say that I would have preferred to do it another way. I also don’t know if I would have ever done it. But at the end of the day, I don’t regret it. In many ways, it was really empowering.”
Oscar-winning actor Colman, who plays Nick’s mother in Heartstopper, shared her thoughts on the situation during the premiere of Empire Of Light in December. “I am so proud of him, but I am not proud of how people bullied him,” she told Variety.
Adding: “I think people should be allowed to have their own journey. But I’m incredibly proud of him as a young man to deal with all of that and be in the spotlight. It’s unfair. But he’s amazing. He’s a very beautiful human being.”
Watch the trailer for Heartstopper season two below.
