'Heartstopper' Stars Defend Queer Sex Scenes: 'Weird If We Hadn't Shown It'

Heartstopper stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke have defended the queer sex scenes in the Netflix franchise's feature-length follow-up film, Heartstopper Forever, arguing they are essential to the story. Connor, who plays Nick Nelson, told The Guardian that at the age of the characters, "they probably would have been doing it," while Locke, who plays Charlie Spring, stated, "It would be weird if we hadn't shown it. Just because our show is a more earnest version of a queer representation doesn't mean that sex [shouldn't be shown]." The actors, who also co-produced the film, addressed speculation that the show ended due to waning fan enthusiasm, with Locke denying this and noting the importance of the show's accessibility in countries where viewers "can't be so openly queer." Yasmin Finney, who plays Elle Argent, described Heartstopper as "a form of escapism for queer people," emphasizing that it shows "what queerness can be and it's beautiful." Heartstopper Forever premieres July 17 on Netflix.