To be queer means knowing that people might not accept you because of your sexuality. It means knowing that some people don’t want anything to do with you. They’ll cast you out before they even get the chance to know you. To them you’re nothing more than a ‘deviant’. Unfortunately, this is the reality that many queer youth all over the world grow up in. So often are we forced to repress our own identities and hide ourselves away. But it’s not all gloom and doom. To be queer can also mean to live life to the fullest and to be proud of who you are. But why is it that we don’t see that kind of narrative often, especially when it comes to the stories and experiences of African queer people?
This is why stories like Netflix's Heartstopper are so important.
The Beauty of "Heartstopper"
Since its arrival on 22nd April, 2022, the series has caused ripples across the entertainment landscape for its optimistic depiction of queer teen romance and scored high praise from global audiences, young and old alike. Some fans have even confessed online how the show has helped them in their journey of embracing their sexuality. With Heartstopper, you have a show that is so unapologetically queer with its ‘tale as old as time’ plot of a gay boy who falls in love for a stereotypically, straight-passing jock. It’s a show full of friendship and love and laughter– all things that everybody deserves in life. The show is not without its dark moments as well, but those moments serve as obstacles in the characters’ paths. We see these characters face homophobia and discrimination but their journeys are not defined by it. They are not brutalized in any way (which happens more often in the media than you’d expect).
Spark of Hope
It was so refreshing for me, as I’m sure it was for many other queer youth as well, to see a gay teenage romance without any of the typical drama or angst that usually plagues these kinds of YA stories. Some have complained that it was too ‘light’ and ‘unrealistic’ but I don’t think that detracts from the significance of the show. The optimistic portrayal of queer love was an intentional decision by the show's writer that sparked hope in the hearts of the audience. By the end of the last episode of season 1, you’re still left wanting more. And I want more.
I want to see African stories about young queer love that are vibrant and hopeful.
I think we do a huge disservice to our youth if we don’t show them that they are loved and accepted just as they are. They may grow to develop feelings of depression, anxiety and even worthlessness. When you live in a country where homosexuality is criminalized, as I do, you get the sense that your very existence is, well... a crime. So would it really be bad if we got a cute show about young queer love in an African context? I certainly don't think so. For one, having a show like this could help further destigmatize LGBTQ+ relationships. The various stigmas surrounding the LGBTQ+ communities in Africa are largely driven by ignorance. If we had stories like Heartstopper that portrayed queer love as something to be celebrated, then perhaps people would become more understanding.
We do a huge disservice to our youth if we don't show them that they are loved and accepted just as they are.
Something else to consider is the impact shows like this have on queer people themselves. Just like how heterosexual people have representations of what healthy relationships can look like, queer people also need to have their own examples of healthy, supportive relationships. Even parents of queer children could benefit from this. It might help them learn how to be pillars of guidance and support in their children's lives. The way I see it, optimistic portrayals and representations of young queer love are not only charming and pleasant to watch, they are essential in moving towards a more inclusive future.
Last Minute Thoughts
Contrary to popular belief, Africa is a diverse continent where people of non-heteronormative sexualities and identities have existed in various African societies for ages. I think it’s time we start to spread some positive light on that heritage. I know the demand for quality LGBTQ+ representation in African entertainment is pretty much non-existent at this point, but I have hope that things will get better. In the meantime, I'll be binging Heartstopper for the third time in a row. If you have any thoughts on this topic or any comments and suggestions in general, you can leave them here and I'll be sure to check them out!
A previous version of this post contained a broken link. That link has been fixed on 1/24/2024
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