Kit Connor, known for his role in the beloved gay romance series “Heartstopper” on Netflix, recently opened up about the drama surrounding his forced outing last year. In an interview with British Vogue, Connor expressed his initial reluctance to discuss his sexual orientation, stating, “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.”
In “Heartstopper,” Connor portrays a bisexual high school student navigating his sexuality while falling in love with a classmate. Despite the show’s exploration of diverse identities, when asked about his own sexual identity in interviews, Connor had previously mentioned his hesitation to label himself.
However, after being photographed holding hands with a woman, fans accused him of “queerbaiting” on Twitter. The backlash seemingly drove Connor away from the social media platform, as he expressed his frustration in a September 12 post, stating, “This is a silly silly app… bit bored of it now, deleting Twitter :)”
Eventually, Connor returned to Twitter and publicly announced his bisexuality on October 31. While acknowledging the pressure he faced, he shared, “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.”
Reflecting on the experience, Connor clarified that he doesn’t see himself as “forced” to come out, but rather expressed a preference for handling it differently. He also emphasized that he doesn’t regret the outcome, finding it empowering in many ways.
Discussing the expectations placed on him by fans, Connor speculated that some believed he could handle the pressure due to his time in the industry. However, he asserted that the assumptions made about his sexuality based on appearances or voice were both problematic and amusing.
Connor shared that his journey of self-discovery was a natural process for him, gradually becoming more evident over time. While he attended an all-boys school that wasn’t particularly inclusive, he emphasized that his family has always been accepting and supportive. Today, he feels more secure in his identity and confident in who he is.
The incident involving Kit Connor sheds light on the issue of forced outings and the pressure individuals face to publicly label themselves. It highlights the complexities of identity exploration and the importance of respecting personal journeys. As the conversation around queerbaiting evolves, it’s crucial to distinguish between media representation and the personal lives of individuals, ensuring a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.