Kit Connor’s ‘unforgivable’ forced outing slammed by Heartstopper co-stars and fans
People rally around Kit Connor after he was forced to come out. (Getty)
Heartstopper fans across social media are sharing their anger after star Kit Connor was “forced” to come out as bisexual.
The actor has fought queer-baiting allegations for several months since he was spotted with fellow actor Maia Reficco and eventually quit Twitter due to the volume of abuse.
Despite saying he didn’t want to label his sexuality, after continued harassment, on Monday (31 October) he tweeted: “Back for a minute. 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.”
The tweet has sparked outrage across social media with thousands of people flocking to support Connor and call out those who pressured him to come out.
As Kit Connor’s tweet hits more than 500,000 likes, #Heartstopper and #KitConnor have become two of the top trending topics on Twitter.
Alice Oseman, author of the Heartstopper series, tweeted in support: “I truly don’t understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes. I hope all those people are embarrassed as F**K. Kit you are amazing.”
Many backed Oseman up, sharing a clip of her comic which explicitly says “you don’t have to do anything until you’re ready” when it comes to telling people your sexuality.
Connor’s co-star Sebastian Croft, who plays Ben in Heartstopper, wrote: “Kit Connor, the world doesn’t deserve you. Love you my friend.”
Kizzy Edgell, who plays Darcy Olsson, added: “I love u Kit, I’m sorry this has been so disgustingly rough on you. Been treated so unfairly.”
Stars of the other popular queer teen Netflix show Young Royals also tweeted their support for the actor.
“Feel for you Kit, sending all the love i have your way,” Edvin Ryding wrote, while Omar Rudberg added: “This makes me so sad! People are mean. Sending hugs your way. F**k ‘em!!”
Young Royals creator, Lisa Ambjorn echoed the sentiments: “HOW can one watch a show like Heartstopper and the take away being that you as a viewer/fan/whatever have the right to know the most private aspects of the actors life? Especially when it comes to this.”
People across the creative industries have shared their dismay at the world for forcing an 18-year-old out of the closet, and shared their own thoughts and experiences.
Digital Spy TV writer David Opie said: “Coming out should be empowering, but instead, unfounded queer-baiting accusations have forced Kit Connor to come out as bi to everyone before he was ready.
“This is so messed up. I hope he’s ok and I hope the people who harassed him feel bad and actually learn something from this.”
Swimmer and TV personality Michael Gunning added: “Didn’t sleep well last night… What happened to Kit Connor MUST change!
“He’s 18 years old & there should never be a pressure for public figures (or anyone) to label their sexuality before they are ready. Everyone’s journey is their own!
Meanwhile many are suggesting that, despite the recent trend to accuse celebrities of queer-baiting, it is actually impossible for real human beings to queer-bait – only the media can do that.
“Real people can’t queer bait with their real lives. Individual actors can’t queer bait. Queer baiting is the act of a corporation intentionally profiting off a queer audience without effectively representing queer people,” one person explained.
Another added: “Kit Connor‘s situation is a very clear example of why the idea that real people can queer-bait is harmful. accusing celebrities of queer-baiting can force them to come out when they’re not ready or simply don’t want their identity to be public. real people cannot queer-bait.”
While others are saying this has proven there is still rampant biphobia in the LGBTQ+ community.
“Kit Connor being forced to come out as bisexual is a DIRECT result of the rampant & violent biphobia within the lgbt community
“You lot saw a boy engaging in a heterosexual passing relationship and (harassingly) invalidated his sexuality to breaking point,” one fan wrote.
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