Kit Connor is speaking out after coming out as bi and then swiftly deleting his Twitter account due to toxic messages and constant queerbaiting accusations.
The young heartthrob rose to fame in 2022 when Netflix released the queer British drama, Heartstopper. Connor, 19, plays Nick Nelson, a rugby player who falls for the shy musician he sits next to in form. Later in the series, Nick comes to terms with his bisexuality and even comes out to his mother, played by Olivia Coleman. After a successful first season, Netflix immediately renewed the show for two more seasons. However, not all of the feedback from fans was positive.
Connor received criticism for playing a bi character when he had not publicly shared his sexual identity. In response to the backlash, he wrote on Twitter, “I’m bi. Congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.” He then deactivated his account.
Despite feeling obligated to share his sexuality, Connor said his own coming out was a “very natural process.”
“I didn’t really have an ‘oh, s—’ moment. It just became more and more evident,” he said.
He explained that his all-boys school was not hugely inclusive, but his family was “super accepting and inclusive and wonderful.”
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Adjusting to Fame
In his initial tweet, Connor said he felt “forced” to come out. Now, he is elaborating on what he really meant in that post. “I just felt like it wasn’t something I was ready to talk about. I wasn’t angry. I was just slightly disappointed by this reaction.
“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 continued. “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.”
Connor has also been a strong activist for bisexual awareness, a topic that came up in his interview. “It’s the experience of maybe you’re too straight to be gay and you’re too gay to be straight. So it’s like, ‘Where do I sit?’ But I feel much more secure in myself now.”
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Kit Connor’s Supporters
Luckily, Connor has always had an incredible support team, including his Heartstopper cast. After he came out, his costars were quick to share supportive messages online.
“You owe nothing to anyone. I’m so proud of you my friend,” wrote Joe Locke.
Creator and showrunner Alice Olsen also spoke up and wrote, “I truly don’t understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes. I hope all those people are embarrassed as F—. Kit you are amazing.”
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