Heartstopper some thoughts

I have been rewatching Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman.

An adaptation based on her graphic novel of the same name. Started as a web comic, which you can find here.  The story is about Nick and Charlie, and friends finding out who they are. Uplifting show that has made me reflect on my journey. The TV show does touch on darker themes like mental health problems. I now want to read the books to see how each plot is covered. Panels are recreated in the TV scenes with the same dialogue. Some scenes are expanded compared to the panels. Overall the show is a wonderful LGBT experience.

Ben’s internalized bi-erasure is something most LGBT people can relate to. Nick suffers from bi-erasure, people thinking he is just gay. Charlie being bullied causes his eating disorder and other mental health issues. Alice includes every single element of the spectrum, don’t feel forced. Every character feels relatable, two teachers discussing sexuality and late blooming. It made me smile and reflect on my journey, the painful process of accepting. Now understand that teenage moments can happen at any time.

Hand draw art helps add so much to each scene, waves that look like flags or flowers or butterflies. I enjoyed watching this series and gave me hope. Made me pause and reflect a couple of times, Wow that happened to me. Ben’s storyline hit home for me, internalised issues are never simple to fix. Society as a whole needs to be better at teaching kids about the world and relationships. The whole generation of the LGBT community needs older folks like me to act as role models. There needs to be louder bisexual and pansexual voices with trans. The gay community in the past has done bi-erasure. Without going to far off topic history here is full of these voices that often forget about.

In many ways, I have come to terms with things but I don’t want to let it be my only identity. I’m hooked on hearstopper most likely going to buy the books soon enough.