Katie Heyes
The cast of Netflix’s smash-hit queer TV series Heartstopper, have been filmed standing up to anti-LGBTQ+ protesters at London Pride last weekend.
In celebration of Pride’s 50th anniversary, more than six hundred groups reportedly took to the capital’s streets to take part in Saturday’s march. A slew of famous faces also made appearances including Philip Schofield and Kelly Holmes, who both recently came out as gay.
The event was labelled as the “UK’s biggest, most diverse pride” by its organisers, with the streets abounding with vibrant colours, glitter, jewels and sequins. The attendees gathered in Hyde Park and marched to Whitehall, led by members of The Gay Liberation Front who first marched in 1972.
However, a small number of anti-LGBTQ protesters attempted to interrupt these marches with homophobic banners and chants. As a young bystander attempted to pull away one of their placards, they were supported by the Heartstopper cast.
“the show’s stars defiantly danced to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ in front of the anti-LGBTQ+ protestors”
In what has since become a viral clip, Sky News journalist Scott Beasley captured the moment where the show’s stars defiantly danced to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ in front of the anti-LGBTQ+ protesters, waving their Pride flags. Joe Locke (Charlie Spring) and Sebastian Croft (Ben Hope) were ostensibly at the forefront, joined by fellow cast members Kit Connor (Nick Nelson), Tobie Donovan (Isaac Henderson), Corinna Brown (Tara Jones), Kizzy Edgell (Darcy Olsson) and Jenny Walser (Tori Spring), some of whom gave the middle finger to the protesters.
The stars of Heartstopper absolutely loving it as anti-LGBT protesters are challenged by a young Pride supporter #Pride pic.twitter.com/7uUwaG9MXW
— Scott Beasley (@SkyScottBeasley) July 2, 2022
Following the incident, Kit Connor took to social media to comment on what had happened, giving praise to Locke and Croft for their bold and impactful act of defiance.
uhhh I was videoing and screaming at them but please don’t be mistaken, it wasn’t ’Kit Connor and the rest of the cast’, it was @joelocke03 and @SebastianCroft front and centre. Please give them the credit for doing something so powerful. https://t.co/SjvJFCHwKD
— Kit Connor (@kit_connor) July 2, 2022
In response to this, Croft tweeted out a heartfelt expression of solidarity:
https://twitter.com/SebastianCroft/status/1543252283382702081?s=20&t=SzcKdEyU2IDsxoOllODW2g
The Netflix series has been highly praised by critics and viewers for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ romance. Based on Alice Oseman’s eponymous graphic novel, the show centres on Charlie Spring, an openly gay year 10 pupil who begins a secret relationship with popular rugby player and classmate Nick Nelson, who is also a closeted bisexual.
“[Heartstopper] will go down in queer history for being the first show to help positively represent a full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities” – Max Hovey
Critics have applauded the show for its positive representation of queer youth. Max Hovey stated that “this series will go down in queer history for being the first show to help positively represent a full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities, in a traditional secondary school environment.”
In a statement to the BBC, Locke stated that this year was his first pride and spoke about his perseverance when confronted with discrimination. He described how “it was such an honour” to be celebrating “being queer when the world might not be so accepting.”
Featured Image Courtesy of Daniel James on Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Katie Heyes
Hi, I'm Katie, a Modern Languages graduate from Durham University and I'm currently training for the NCTJ qualification. I have been doing freelance writing for a number of magazines such as Palatinate UK, Sur in English and the Indiependent with a particular interest in Theatre and Film. I hope to share my passion for these particular subjects for future magazines.