Actor Bella Ramsey, widely recognized for their acclaimed role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, is opening up about the emotional complexity of coming out as non-binary and how life has changed since sharing that part of their identity with the world.
Ramsey, 21, came out publicly in 2023, joining a growing number of public figures who have chosen to speak candidly about their gender identity. In a new interview with The Guardian, published Sunday (April 20), the British actor spoke about the personal and public impact of that announcement, describing it as both liberating and overwhelming. “Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t [come out], because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing,” Ramsey said. “And obviously it was going to, and I didn’t really understand that at the time. And I wasn’t really prepared for that.”
Their honesty about the challenges of being a non-binary person in the spotlight shines a light on the pressure celebrities face when their private identities become public narratives. For Ramsey, the journey to visibility came with both positive affirmation and moments of doubt. “But on the other hand, people have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation,” they added. “So it’s been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing, just for me living more freely, without feeling like I’m keeping a secret.”
While Ramsey is glad their story has helped others, they also expressed a desire for their gender identity to become less of a central focus in media coverage. “Now I’m like, ‘I’ll talk about it, but I don’t want it to be the focus anymore,’” they explained. “I guess I’m just quite chill with it. And I want everyone else to be as chill with it basically.”
A Voice for Authenticity in Hollywood
Ramsey first rose to fame as the fierce Lady Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones before taking on the groundbreaking role of Ellie in The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic series that quickly became a critical and commercial success. The show, based on the popular video game of the same name, has been widely praised for its LGBTQ+ representation, with Ramsey’s portrayal of a young lesbian survivor earning acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Bella Ramsey. Photo: HBO
The actor’s openness about their non-binary identity has resonated with audiences, especially young people seeking representation in mainstream media. By using they/them pronouns and embracing their gender fluidity publicly, Ramsey is helping to expand the visibility of non-binary individuals in entertainment — an industry where authentic representation has often lagged behind.
Navigating Autism in the Spotlight
In addition to speaking about gender identity, Ramsey has also been candid about being diagnosed with autism while filming the first season of The Last of Us. In an earlier interview with Vogue, they described the diagnosis as “freeing,” explaining that it gave them a deeper understanding of themselves. “It allows me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself for not being able to do the easy, everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do,” they shared.
This dual revelation — of being both non-binary and autistic — has made Ramsey a rare and powerful voice in Hollywood, representing a broader spectrum of neurodiversity and gender diversity than is typically visible in film and television.
Their willingness to speak about these aspects of their identity has not only provided comfort and connection to fans but also helped to chip away at longstanding stigmas in the industry and beyond.
First Love and Growing Up in the Public Eye
In March 2025, Ramsey also revealed another personal milestone: they are in love for the first time. Though they chose not to name their partner, the actor shared that this new emotional experience has been both grounding and joyful. “It’s scary and beautiful,” they said during the Vogue interview. “Love opens you up in ways you didn’t know were possible.”
As someone who has grown up in front of the camera, Ramsey’s personal evolution — from child star to global LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity advocate — has unfolded in real time. Their maturity, vulnerability, and self-awareness continue to inspire fans who see themselves reflected in Ramsey’s story.
The Importance of Representation
For many LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse fans, Ramsey’s candidness serves as a lifeline. While visibility doesn’t solve systemic inequality, it does offer a sense of belonging and validation — something Ramsey is keenly aware of.
Even though the attention surrounding their coming out was, at times, overwhelming, Ramsey recognizes the value of being a visible figure for those who often feel unseen. “People have told me it’s helped them feel like they’re not alone, and that matters to me,” Ramsey said.
Their decision to live openly and authentically — even under the scrutiny of global media — is a testament to the power of representation and resilience. It’s a reminder that celebrities, despite their fame, experience the same vulnerabilities and fears as anyone else when it comes to identity, acceptance, and self-love.
With season two of The Last of Us currently in production and several upcoming film projects on the horizon — including a deeply personal feature centered around eating disorders — Ramsey shows no signs of slowing down.
They are carving out space in the industry not just as a talented performer, but as a person whose presence challenges norms and uplifts others.
As they continue to navigate fame, identity, and adulthood, Ramsey hopes for a future where gender labels are less scrutinized, and people are free to exist as they are — quietly, confidently, and without headlines.
