Netflix’s new winning queer TV series Heartstopper is another confirmation that the network has become such an important source of LGBTQ programming.  They are one of the very few that grasp the sheer importance of creating content in which our community feels understood,   acknowledged, and respected unlike the sheer number of corporations that simply pay lip service to us in pursuit of the lucrative ‘pink dollar”. 

This highly anticipated series was adapted from Alice Oseman’s very successful coming-of-age webcomic which turned into a million-copy selling graphic novel. Set in England, it’s the tale of shy geeky Charlie (Joe Locke), the only ‘out gay’ pupil in his high school, who gets assigned to sit next to Nick (Kit Connor) a very popular rugby player, and quite the school jock.

This story of how an unlikely friendship between the two boys surprises themselves and shocks the two sets of best friends, is so beautifully navigated.  Both boys have to try to understand their feelings for each, whilst at the same time, Nick has to deal with the self-discovery of his sexuality. 

This story is based on reality and is balanced beautifully with other stories of their friends’ own burgeoning romances. But most importantly is that hopefully, the boy’s romance will serve to encourage other young people to deal with their own coming out stories.  They may not be so picture-perfect as Charlie and Nick’s journey but it should give hope that there can, and often is, a light at the end of the tunnel.