Pastel & Pride – “Heartstopper” sets an example for queerness!

Heartbeat for diversity – that’s what it takes care ofComing-of-Age-Serie „Heartstopper“based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alice Oseman. The series tells of the teenage romance of the two protagonists, Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and their circle of friends, who find themselves in the midst of self-discovery, the first big feelings and social challenges - so far, so well known. But the series doesn't just impress with its heartwarming, pastel-colored love storyand a sweet idyll, but especially through the open and progressive representation of love and identity as well as extremely clear, respectful and strikingly undramatic communication.

The focus of the series is 15-year-old Charlie and Nick, who is one year older, and more than just a deep friendship quickly develops between them. Charlie, introverted and sensitive, was involuntarily outed as gay last school year and has been repeatedly bullied because of his sexuality ever since. Nick, on the other hand, popular and extroverted, initially identifies as heterosexual. Over the course of the series, an intimacy grows between the twoapproach. Nick discovers that he is bisexual - a process marked by uncertainty, confusion and doubt as well as excitement and curiosity. Meanwhile, Charlie breaks away from a toxic relationship and begins to become increasingly confident about his sexuality. The two receive support from their friends, families and teachers. One could hardly have wished for a nicer reaction and support regarding topics such as coming out, but also mental problems or interpersonal conflicts.

What sets Gen-Z teen romance apart from its genre classics - such as "Gossip Girl", "Dawson's Creek" and the universally popular series "Sex and the City" - is primarily the changed portrayal of relationships and love a completely changed communication. While the classics of the 90s and early 2000s often get caught up in heteronormative role models and constructed stereotypes of their time, “Heartstopper” presents a much more open, complex and inclusive view of relationships, identity and sexuality, thereby (finally!) creating space for a non-heteronormative perspective.

Particularly noteworthy is the diverse representation of queer people, who in previous series often only found space as clichéd supporting characters - we remember Stanford Blatch from "Sex and the City", who as a "gay best friend" was little more than a stigmatized stereotype and otherwise had little depth. This is completely different now. In addition to the two protagonists, the friends also contribute to queer representation: Charlie's best friend Elle comes out as trans* and quickly makes friends with the lesbian couple Darcy and Tara at her new school, while the introverted Isaac comes out as trans* over the course of the series Becoming aware of asexuality.

As viewers, we experience up close the emotions, thoughts, fears and worries of the characters. We follow the initially confused Nick as he discovers his bisexuality and feel his fears of social reactions. We witness Charlie's excitement and uncertainty as he admits his feelings for Nick with every message typed and deleted. We can empathize with Isaac's vulnerability of not feeling like he belongs because of his aromantic and asexuality. It is the complexity of the fears and worries that come with queer identity, but also with everyday life as teenagers, that are now finally shown through different perspectives.

In this respect, the series is a significant step forward. “Heartstopper” reflects the zeitgeist of a generation that is increasingly demanding a differentiated representation of identity, sexuality and emotionality. The focus is no longer just on social norms, but on the complex, personal experiences of the characters. Conflicts, insecurities and strokes of fate of the protagonists are still discussed, but communicated in a more open, honest and, above all, less dramatic way.

Ultimately, in “Heartstopper,” even the most difficult conflicts are resolved through insight and honesty – without any toxic dynamics. No constant back and forth (as in Blair and Chuck's almost glorified on-off relationship in "Gossip Girl"), no manipulation, no uncommunicated misunderstandings. It's refreshing how harmonious a teen romance can look. Tolerance and stability, instead of cliche and drama. However, one may easily forget that this is less reality and more utopian wishful thinking while watching. “Heartstopper” is convincing precisely because it shows the most beautiful – albeit softly focused – form of first love. A kind of queer fairy tale that doesn't exist yet - one that is (almost) too good to be true.

You can do “Hearstopper”.herewatch on Netflix.