Bad queer character tropes that Heartstopper subverts:
- Queer character says/does homophobic things to repress their feelings and protect their straight image: Nick is confused about his sexuality, but he never turns to homophobia or toxic masculine behavior in order to ward off rumors about his sexuality
- Queer character breaks up with partner because theyโre closeted: Charlie breaks things off with Ben because he doesnโt actually care about Charlie and is emotionally abusive, not because Ben is in the closet. When Nick and Charlie start dating, Charlie respects Nickโs desire to keep things a secret for the meantime.
- Queer character must be โflamboyantโ or display โeffeminateโ or โtomboyishโ traits: Heartstopper demonstrates that there is noย โone wayโ to be queer or straight.ย For example,ย Tao (the โtoken straight friendโ) is the most โextraโ and dramatic character. Additionally, Nickโs interest in traditionally masculine activities such as rugby does not preclude him from being queer.
- Someone catches queer couple being intimate and outs them to everyone: Isaac walks in on an affectionate moment between Nick and Charlie but never says anything about it, even if he can detect the attraction between the two of them. No one walks in on Charlie and Nick sharing their first kiss in public at the bowling alley. They can just enjoy the moment together!
- Queer character pretends or tries to be straight by dating someone of the opposite gender: While Ben does fit this trope, Nick subverts it when he cancels his date with Imogen and tells her that he doesnโt have romantic feelings for her. And contrary to expectations that Imogen might be jealous and retaliate in some way, she accepts that Nick doesnโt like her and appears to be supportive of his relationship with Charlie at the end of the show.
- Parents reject their child when they come out: Charlieโs parents are seen being supportive of him and expressing concern about potential bullying. When Nick comes out to his mum, she is completely accepting, telling him she loves him, hugging him, and apologizing for saying anything that made it difficult to confide in her.
- Female characters kiss for the enjoyment of male characters: When Nick sees Tara and Darcy kiss at Harryโs party, he is empowered to pursue his own feelings for Charlie and be himself. He doesnโt objectify or fetishize them in any way.
- Trans characters canโt be in straight relationships: Tao and Elle clearly have feelings for each other, and her being trans doesnโt matter in the slightest!
- Queer character must signal acceptance of their identity through dramatic public announcement: Nick could have done this by kissing Charlie in front of all the other students after running off the field during Sports Day, but instead, his moments of self-acceptance are quiet, intimate celebrations (e.g., Nick telling Charlie he is โdefinitely bisexualโ and saying โOh my god, I like you so much. And I love liking youโ to Charlie on their beach date)
