Heartstopper’s Renewal Is A Huge Victory For Queer Storytelling

thegamer.com:

Heartstopper is a queer story that many young people have been waiting for. I grew up with representation that was either shrouded in subtext or marred by hurtful stereotypes that both didn't understand the LGBTQ+ experience and actively wanted to look down upon it.

It was rough going, but that picture has begun to change in the years since with all manner of films, shows, books, and games seeking to tell queer stories that mean something, and to further representation while making the world a better place for those who for years have felt ostracised simply for being who they are. Things are changing, and I'm honoured to be at the forefront of this new age as I come to terms with my own identity.

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Since its debut last month, we've seen Heartstopper take the world by storm. This heartfelt adaptation of Alice Oseman's webcomic sought to expand upon the source material while taking it to bold new places by providing its cast of characters - queer or otherwise - with more depth, more nuance, and more room to shine as people we can all relate to. Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring's blossoming relationship is an adorable delight to watch unfold, and now we have two more seasons to look forward to with news of the renewal by Netflix.

In a landscape largely curated by Netflix, we’ve seen queer shows like The Get Down, I Am Not Okay With This, GLOW, and several others being axed long before reaching their full potential. Heartstopper feels like Netflix is finally giving queer stories a chance without dangling the threat of cancellation directly in front of our noses. Often we see shows that centre around LGBTQ+ characters fighting to have their tales