I can’t forgive Heartstopper “fans” for what y’all did to Kit Connor…

[@kalt1x787]

But even if he wasn't bi, he's an actor. Actors act, they portray something or someone that they're not

[@MikaisthebiggestsimpforFord]

EXACTLY

[@claire.1623]

YES THANK YOU SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

[@pinklemonade1115]

yes

[@solaniarhythm7940]

I was gonna agree but then I thought about what that argument would look like when it comes to race & other situations I’m like… ok maybe not, but I do agree to some extent cuz it is true for the most part

[@kalt1x787]

@@solaniarhythm7940 Yeah, I agree. I should've been more clear, lol. They should portray something in a good light, and shouldn't do anything that insult cultures and races, for example acting a character that's a different race than the actor, should not be played by said actor. Cultures, however, are a more difficult subject. Some cultures are closed, and shouldn't be portrayed by anyone other than someone in that culture. For other cultures, extreme research should be done, but personally I still feel like someone only from that culture should play it, in order for it to be accurate, ig. But unfortunately, people don't do any research on the stuff they have to act out, and that's where cultural appropriation comes in.

[@whocares9838]

Even if Kit wasn’t bisexual, he played the character with a TON of respect and love. He did a great job at portraying the queer experience. As a queer person who didn’t know he was bisexual, I loved his take on the character and loved his performance.

[@yasminechoerryscherry3701]

Yes exactly!! He played it beautifully and that's what truly matters, he doesn't owe anyone any explanations about his life or his sexuality

[@AlastorAltruistGaming]

Key word: Respect. Which I don’t think a lot of idiots in this generation even have anymore! If they DID, they’d be RESPECTFUL enough to leave Kit alone & mind their own damn business.

[@SxgeEdits]

Exactly! your so right! it didnt matter if kit was bi, straight, gay or more in real life he played the role with respect!!

[@3ll3llyyy]

people really need to stop using "queerbaiting" to justify their biphobia. its happened so many times and no one cares

[@brightshining]

^^ (!)

[@AvaNightingale]

Way too true, it's pure bi/queerphobia plain and simple

[@kenntmannichtt]

literally

[@magikphoenix140]

No fr. People need to address the biphobia in queer baiting accusations

[@Tokmag2108]

Also the fact that the people outing him are mostly bi too. its just heartbreaking

[@sadfaery]

The irony is that the so-called fans who did this automatically assumed that Kit being seen with a girl, one who is actually out as bisexual herself by the way, meant that he couldn't be part of the queer community and must therefore obviously be straight, completely ignored the possibility of bisexuality introduced to us in the show with Kit's character. That said, Kit plainly told people that he did not want to label his sexuality, especially not publicly and at such a young age. He did not owe that to us and he shouldn't have felt forced to do it. He is still basically a child. I can't imagine feeling like I needed to come out to the entire freaking world as bisexual at 18 years old. Because that's what he had to do. He has a worldwide fan base and felt like he had to come out to the entire world. Very publicly. No one should feel like they need to do that, especially not a teenager!

[@loverrlee]

I came out at 30 and it was still scary as hell. I would never wish this on anyone. What those “fans” did was evil. Nobody should be forced out of the closet, even actors (who are real people though some people seem to forget that).

[@lindscutie0756]

YESSS People were commenting about him with that girl, can’t remember who it is, and how “it’s confirmed he’s straight” like it’s like they didn’t even watch the show. As a bisexual person it made me feel so shitty seeing that reaction.

[@yasminechoerryscherry3701]

Yess it was plain biphobia and they clearly didn't get the whole message of the show

[@starkid525]

i feel really bad for kit, i can’t believe people would actually do this to a real person

[@ddsalvador8710]

let alone an 18 year old

[@thealmightybucket5930]

it's a demonstration on how easily people can dehumanize and retract empathy on a person if they believe that the person did something wrong. it's fucking dangerous man

[@starkid525]

@@thealmightybucket5930 i agree

[@wheaty5856]

I absolutely can, this isnt the first time fandoms have forced somoene to come out via harassment

[@parisewellington3664]

People are INSANE

[@altairwithnoS]

The worst part about this is that “Heartstopper” partially revolves around people discovering Charlie’s sexuality without him telling them what it was. He was outed, and it was very clearly traumatic for him. And now people are doing the exact same thing to one of the actors in the very show. When Kit says “Clearly you missed the point of the show,” that just hit like a punch. It’s outrageous that people are doing this.

[@makaylaspalding5480]

Seriously, like if he wanted to talk about his sexuality, he would. I don't get how some people don't realize how wrong it is to force someone into outing themselves. They didn't even feel sorry, most of them felt glad that they've uncovered a part of Kit Connor's life that he didn't want shared.

[@StarryGacha]

I saw this online and was immediately so upset. The whole show is to show people they can be comfortable with their sexuality and gender and that it takes time. You can open up when you want and it’s a struggle. Yet people force a actor to come out. He’s right people really lost the point of this show. Poor kit. I am truly sorry on the behalf of all the awful kids my age.

[@kalt1x787]

Can't wait until people learn the definition of "None of your business" What's it to them wether or not Kit is bi? It doesn't change or affect their lives in any way, shape or form

[@StarryGacha]

@@kalt1x787 exactly. But it does affect his life. And there for it’s non of your god damn business.

[@user-th1pv6ks5o]

Yes, I think a lot of people don't realize that coming out and coming out to the public are 2 different things. Just because he wasn't out to random strangers he has never met before on the internet, doesn't mean he wasn't out to everyone else in his life.

[@StarryGacha]

@@user-th1pv6ks5o besides that what’s the issue if he’s not gay. This is so dumb. Like is it that a gay person can’t play a straight character. No one has a issue with that.

[@user-th1pv6ks5o]

@@StarryGacha yes exactly, being not publicly out is also a good business move. Usually newer queer actors get type casted so hard in Hollywood. Unless they have come out after playing well known straight characters, I don't know too many queer actors that play straight roles after coming out. I hope Kits career doesn't tank after this.

[@crunkbunny9003]

As a bi person myself I didn’t realize how bad this situation got, and I didn’t realize how biphobic the LGBT community is. It’s so disgusting- like I’m just trying to live my life! And so is Kit. But there are so many people out there who shut us down just bc we also like the opposite gender. I love men and women, who cares!! Kit didn’t deserve any of this, nobody does.

[@SP-mf9sh]

What have these gays said or done to bullied you? Thats wrong. I'm a lesbian and I think some bi girls didn't like me after a while because they wanted to just casual hook up with me and I rejected them. ( out of respect to their bfs and myself) many gay ppl like to include bis ( u guys are a big percentage) I'm open to dating bi girls! they just have to either be single or stay in the friend zone for us to work. We all just have to be more vocal. No dating app hook up things or cruising while they have a bf. I went on a three hour date with a bi girl who didn't tell me she had a bf until after the date...then she scurried out like a bat out of hell ( was she looking for a hook up?).😆 these bi girls give a lot of bi ppl a bad Name. I feel sorry for you. I don't hate bi women or men...I'd just prefer being just friends with them if they have bfs. But they can invite their bf to queer events like pride or bars! Gays don't care.. Just be honest and a good person and you will be accepted with us lesbians like in any relationship. ( I know many lesbians and bis who hang out) I'm just talking from my own personal experiences. Don't think I'm generalizing all bi ppl. Peace and love. ( for some reason I offend bi ppl for saying this, if so I'm sorry in advance but I'm generally curious as to what lesbian or gay hate you get because I think that is awful and should be stopped..we should all be together.

[@ahumanwhoplantlove9249]

@@user-mAfuNqrSe020x don't blame it on the community. Blame it on the none educated people in it that makes it seem bad

[@XShiro_X]

i'm also bi

[@dollopedits]

What they did is absoluetly heartbreaking. I feel honestly so bad for Kit Connor, as he said "Clearly you missed the point of the show" Forcing someone to come out is just, just terrifying. Edit: 5:10 EXACTLY THANK YOU queerbating is not that, the literal definition of queer bating is A marketing technique used to attract queer viewers that involves creating romantic or sexual tension between two same-sex characters but never making it canon or evolving on it, or when straight men or women pretend to be gay and flirt with people of the same sex as a joke. Why do people think that Kit Connor is queerbating, it isn't.

[@lildicky1058]

Key word, *CHARACTERS*

[@lumr.8726]

one example of queerbaiting is the big bang theory. like raj and howard's relationship and amy's hyperobsession w penny to the point of throwing sexual hints towards her. always made for laughs and jokes.

[@dollopedits]

I agree.

[@bambirose8896]

RIGHT - and Its, like, literally one of the main parts of specifically Nicks plot too! Charlie never once even considers outing Nick because that would be a fucked up thing to do - like - did they even watch the show!?

[@sunnyv7745]

Queerbaiting doesn't seem to just apply to fiction as you have given a definition of real life people doing it too, when that wasn't part of the original definition. It has now just included real life people especially when fans think or believe the person is using lgbt people for fame or money and not being supportive. People accuse Harry Styles of queerbaiting but he hasn't said anything. While it's super bad that Kit was forced to do this as he must have felt very pressured. I wish he got help from staff and others before the post so they would have been able to help him better. From the post, we can tell he was very angry as he should be.

[@skylarb7468]

I'm currently 18 and literally freak out every time my mom even asks me if I'm queer because I'm not ready. I can't imagine it on a much larger scale.

[@dinkerz]

You bring up a good point. I was asked many times if I was gay when I was 18/19 and I always said no because I wasn’t ready; I knew and was exploring it but I wasn’t ready to say it out loud to people. When I finally did, no one super cared. My mom is religious in the not great way and she cares, but only enough to keep that to herself. So I have that privilege of it going well and I figured as much the whole time, but if you’re not ready, you’re not ready.

[@psolo768]

As someone who is also bisexual but not out to family, the idea of being forced out of the closet before I’m ready is both terrifying and also anger inducing. Whoever participated in forcing Kit Conner out of the closet deserves only the worst karma. ESPECIALLY if you’re a part of the community! Shame on you, you know better! I hope you step on Legos everyday, always loose your car keys 5 minutes before you have to leave the house, always walk into a room and immediately forget why you went in there, somehow always have wet socks, you’re always the friend that is ignored in a big group conversation, and your outfit never matches the vibe you’re going for.

[@lilbadahhkid]

I just wanted to say I love this comment 😭😭

[@lunacxx1330]

I’ve experienced it before I knew I was asexual (I used to think I was bi) & it’s the scariest experience. I now don’t want to ever come out properly since my parents already somewhat know I’m not straight but I don’t get to have a nice coming out after being outed

[@DDD2323-z5i]

Beautifully said fellow bi 😭 This is like poetry to my ears

[@nahicorua]

Honestly same, I'm also bi and not out to the family, I don't think I'm ready and if any of my friends that know about it outed me I'd cut them off immediately. Coming out is not a joke, it's a serious matter because a lot of people aren't even SAFE if they do! Honestly shame on the people that forced Kit to come out. Also, you forgot that both sides of their pillow should always be warm!

[@dublancdedinde]

let's make a hope chain. i hope these people spill toothpaste on their clothes every morning and the stains reappear when the clothes are dry

[@anitaremenarova6662]

As a bi dude, I watched the show and thought it was nice then proceeded to move on with my life. This obsession with celebrities is extremely unhealthy and internet has only made it worse, glad I'm not part of those toxic cesspools. The biphobia surprisingly coming in clutch by not making me not even loosely associated with any of those awful people.

[@theonlyrosy]

The LGBTQ community has practically internalized the idea that trauma defines the queer experience, and while having to deal with homophobia and transphobia is traumatic, that’s not what defines us. Community and identity is what we’re about, and no one should be alienated just because they have a healthy support system.

[@bi_squared1533]

YES. the entire reason we fight for rights is so future queer generations can just live their lives in peace, and not have to go through was others went through.

[@Acinnn]

also, I think it can lead to less broken families when one is outed later in life or decideds to come out.. or transition. If people can have honest conversations with possible parthers right from moment they are not sure about their identity or orientation.

[@ChaoticMushy]

Fr. How tf did we go from "everyone should be able to be who they are without being shamed for it" to "if your family doesn't hate you then you're not queer enough" Like I thought the entire point was to make sure life wasn't hell for queer people..

[@alfie3.14]

Reminds me when I had to convince someone that aromantic people are still LGBT despite "not getting murdered in the street". They just kept insisting you had to have trauma like that to be LGBT.

[@Huh9631]

THIS

[@Hana.Behl-Lecter]

"Screw the gender norms! Just be yourself! Clothing isn't gendered!" "Harry Styles is wearing feminine clothes, he's queerbaiting!" Make it make sense

[@crystalbuffaloe]

It’s two parts of the community at different places, or the same person that just frogat or is ignoring there preves posishin

[@yasminkamille6142]

It's really interesting to see that media that has bisexual main characters tend to have the most biphobic fandoms. This also happened in The Owl House fandom, people constantly calling Luz, a bisexual girl, a lesbian just because she's in a sapphic relationship with Amity, the actual lesbian in the relationship. Nick constantly gets called gay just cause he dates Charlie and that sucks a lot because even in the show bisexuality is respected and we don't have that stereotype of "Charlie doesn't like bisexual people because Ben dumped him for a girl". And I feel Kit's situation got even worse after pictures of him and his friend/co-worker Maia Reficco were taken. Like, dude Maia herself is bisexual too and they were just holding hands, but apparently he can't hold hands with a girl cause that means dating. But him constantly hugging, giving piggyback rides and saying sappy stuff to his boy friends doesn't mean anything. The biphobia is showing.

[@sadfaery]

Right!?! No one remembers that Maia is also bisexual, but she is. She's said it in multiple interviews and on her own twitter. And regarding both Kit and Maia, and the character Nick Nelson, too, for that matter, it's bi erasure as well as biphobia. Bisexual people exist. And that aside, Kit did not owe us his sexuality. He's still basically a child. And he had already said very plainly that he did not want to label himself, especially publicly and at such a young age. No one owes us their sexuality. And no one should feel like they need to come out before they're ready.

[@matrixiekitty2127]

It’s both so exciting to see bisexual people in media and see myself represented, but it comes at the cost of droves of biphobia and bi erasure. I’m already erased as a bisexual person irl for being in a relationship with a boy, so it kills me to see characters I love have to be put through the same erasure too. Not to mention, they make us feel we have to be in a same sex relationship to be a valid bisexual, but then the moment we enter a same sex relationship we’re no longer bisexual! Make up your mind, it’s not fair!

[@sadfaery]

@@matrixiekitty2127 Yep. We're invisible. Our sexuality is not seen as a real, complete sexuality all by itself. I've seen bisexual celebrities referred to as allies when they are fully out as members of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the things I love about Heartstopper is that they show Nick realizing and exploring his bisexuality without having to date people of different genders. Because you are bisexual even before you've dated people of multiple genders. Hopefully this show will help to raise more awareness that bisexuality is real and valid and a complete sexuality all by itself.

[@itiswhatitismindset]

@@matrixiekitty2127 ^^ dude i really needed to see this thanks i was dealing with some internalized shit that made me feel bad for liking someone

[@persistenturge]

TW; Sexual harassment is mentioned Great take, but we do need to agree that Ben did not DUMP Charlie, Charlie decided he was done getting treated like shit and Ben didn't take no for an answer, ended up forcefully kissing Charlie, and then harassed him every time he ended up alone with Charlie.

[@jemimahlikesfood5792]

As a bisexual, I think we feel like we have to prove that we are by dating people of the same-sex and that if we date anyone from the opposite sex then people are going to think we are lying and are just straight. Even though the literal definition of bisexuality is that you like both. And people forgot that when Kit was photographed holding another girl's hand, people were like, 'oh so he's straight', like holding hands with someone of the opposite gender means you're straight and are dating when you know no one would think that if he was holding hands with a boy. Rant over. I feel so bad for Kit and know exactly what he's going through as I was forced to come out to my parents. I'll pray for him and his well-being. Let's hope season 2 of Heartstopper will teach these so called 'fans' a more valuable lesson

[@dustyviolets3845]

YESYESYES I get this on another level ahhhh, it’s like whenever I tell people I’m bi I feel like I always have to prove it in a sense? It’s so horrible because it’s like I know myself and my feelings I shouldn’t have to explain it to anyone else idk. Like you said aswell when he was seen with a girl even if they were dating….. it doesn’t mean he’s straight it’s just …. the logic isn’t logic-ing lmao

[@jemimahlikesfood5792]

@@dustyviolets3845 100%

[@Cavehoney]

Friendly reminder that bisexuality is attraction to two or more genders, and not just men + women, because non binary people exist!

[@charlottewebb8191]

Kit never identified as straight. He always said he preferred not to label his sexuality. Some people just assumed that must mean he’s straight. 🙄

[@lumr.8726]

honestly im almost dropping this label thing, bc it's starting to piss me off. i don't rly feel comfortable w ANY label whatsoever. and with this issue going on, im becoming less comfortable w it.

[@StanChunghaOrGoHome]

They saw him hanging out with a girl and spun that as he’s straight. As if bisexuals don’t exist 🙄

[@sunnyv7745]

I have heard some people can be more straight than gay so they have been in more straight relationships and there is a term for it it's called heteroflexible. But Kit didn't really label his sexuality from what I know, which he doesn't need to give us unless he WANTS to. So when he didn't, a few fans who were following him and those who liked him just accusing him of things when he didn't come out smh.

[@SnorriSnibble]

That's what infuriates me the most. I'ts great that people find labels to identify themselves with, but not everyone *has* to put a label on themselves. Some people just don't want to label themselves, some legit don't know what to label themselves with and that's ok. For example, I'm pretty sure I'm on the ace spectrum, but don't know where exactly, and I also might be panromantic, but I'm not sure either. I've never officially labeled myself because I legit have no idea as what and I honestly don't care either. I just take everything as it comes and I don't owe anyone an explanation, except maybe a future partner. The thought of people demanding your sexuality so they can check and approve if you're allowed to label yourself like that based on the behavior they see from you is just gross. They really only care about themselves.

[@ToscaTee]

I always feel labels are a guide in understanding the concept of certain types of sexualities, it shouldn’t be the definitive end-all to be in the LGBTQ community. Learning about yourself is hard af outside of sexual identities especially when you’re barely out of puberty

[@philip._.er.ms0418]

People weren’t upset about the fact that they thought he was “queer baiting”. They were upset because they saw him with his gf, and all the fantasies they had of him, were met with reality, and their poor dreams were shattered.

[@leticialugo6546]

Yes! I assumed that, most of his toxic fans were mad about the fact that he was daiting a girl (I think Maia is her name and they were filming a movie together). I don't think they're daiting anymore bc all of this drama. Are they still together? They were really cute together:(

[@keys.and.knives]

Heartstopper has been such a comfort series for me, I really can't belive that anyone who said the same could then go on and do this.

[@brightshining]

Yep :/ ♡

[@kyoyameganebereznoff]

I feel like seeing a straight man wearing nail polish or a dress and automatically calling queerbaiting is a very gender essentialist way to think. Why does a man wearing a dress have to be gay/queer? Aren’t you imposing gender roles on someone when you make those assumptions? Also: your blazer is incredible.

[@Fiemus9]

THIS! PREACH ❤

[@mannygart]

Hi, queer webtoon author here. On a MUCH smaller scale, I felt pretty forced to come out about not only my sexuality but my gender identity due to similar circumstances - not only by readers, but also by fellow authors and artists who question others' "right" to write about certain topics. It's also worth noting that, though most of my characters are queer, the focus of my main comic that I get the most pushback for is on navigating mental health struggles such as schizophrenia, which I myself am clinically diagnosed with and have had to repeatedly state as much in the face of additional gatekeeping on the mental health side of things. Though this was all to a much smaller audience and lesser degree, it has really messed me up over the past few years and forcibly shaped my online perception, as well as my own perception of myself in some ways. It just hit really close to home because I was outed IRL in high school and painted as a predator as one of the only gay kids in my rural hometown; I was hoping writing about my experiences would help heal some of my old wounds, so for the same thing to happen all over again cut really deep. This type of behavior from supposed "supporters" can really hurt creators of any kind involved in a project. I really feel for Kit and hope those who did this to him start to see the error of their ways. Thank you for talking about this, Frederic! ❤

[@caiargagnon]

Hello, I would love to read your story! Maybe even buy a copy. What is it called and where can I buy it??

[@mannygart]

​@@caiargagnon Ahh, you are so sweet- Thank you so much! 🥺❤ My main series is called "The Mind's Eye" and the webtoon version is free to read online, but I am actually in the process of revamping and formatting it for Kindle with some bonus chapters! I'm hoping to release that by the end of this year. But if you wanted to check it out the current version, it's the first link in my KZbin bio! (I'm sorry for the inconvenience- I tried putting a link here but it's not letting me post it >

[@javencummins1426]

@@mannygart You are Mannygart? I found the title with that name.

[@mannygart]

@@javencummins1426 Hello, friend! Yep; that's me! My gosh, thank you so much for checking out my work 😭❤ You guys are all being so supportive it's seriously making me tear up a little.

[@hafsaelmalhouf7739]

I found your comic and I like it a lot so far, I always like reading about stories including mental health and depiction of schizophrenia It is a very interesting topic, still not talked about in the media, I think you're brave and amazing and your wounds heal because no one deserves THIS to happen to them.

[@-shiloh]

When i heard this I had never been so disgusted. I hate when fans think they have this ownership over a celebrity just because they “support” and “love” them

[@squeemdweem]

Fredrick has the highly coveted ability to remove someone's queerness. With a snap of the fingers, an online queer's lips chap, clothes become drab, and speech becomes boring and slow😤💅

[@inky3944]

Can’t walk fast anymore

[@joshawaaaaa]

@@inky3944 gay walk? gone

[@squeemdweem]

@@inky3944 yasss!

[@itiswhatitismindset]

stiff strong steel wrist. slow, unyassified walk. flannel literally disappears.

[@rae5602]

@@itiswhatitismindset doc martins melt into the floor, septum piercing heals itself

[@livinggdeaddgirl]

It’s disgusting that so called fans forced an 18 year old to come out, it’s horrible. I really hope he’s doing well.

[@lee2791]

the entire young lgbt community needs to stave off the internet discourse and interact with real queer people. we have to be a stronger community than…. this

[@kuromistan645]

This is the nicest way to tell us to touch grass 😭😭

[@hopeofsaya]

actually so true though

[@femmelace]

Fr tho, I say this as a Gen Z member of the community - we have completely lost sight of the sociopolitical and socioeconomic purposes of the LGBT community. We are supposed to support one another in our fight to liberation, not get caught up in tacky internet debates about strangers' sexualities - especially when those debates hinge on highly heteronormative and patently biphobic assumptions such as: "He held hands with a girl, he must be straight!" It's getting ridiculous. Most of the world is still behind on LGBT rights (I live in the Caribbean so I feel the brunt of this), and the few places that have made progress are still socially reactionary (just look at how conservative/alt-right Americans are obsessively trying to destroy what little trans people have). So why oh why are young LGBT folk so obsessed over such materially inconsequential discourse?

[@eternallytree6603]

this but also some young queer can’t interact with real gay people because it’s incredibly hard/they don’t have access

[@Adotworm]

@@femmelace This is so well said!! Thank you!!

[@Cepheus.Ohayon]

This isn’t heartstopping it’s heartbreaking

[@lyynxmin]

As someone who is living in a situation where, if i were outed, i would risk my life, it's so upsetting to see kit beeing outed because of the fear that he's "queerbaiting", because it just shows me that i can't do anything that might "seem gay" without outing myself, why do people want celebrities to discolse their sexuality as if they won't risk anything themselves? Or they feel like it's none of your business? Or they're not ready yet? No one owes you an explanation tyvm

[@twiggledowntown3564]

I feel that. It gets to that point where, we obsess over every small thing they do.

[@twiggledowntown3564]

To add on to my sentence. What I'm saying is, it almost feels like we get extremely angry because we aren't understanding that not everyone is going to want to come out immediately.

[@11MissingPhoenix]

All 3 of these comments are 100% correct and i personally agree. Someones sexuality or gender isnt any ya business no matter how famous.

[@inzanity490]

Chronically online idiots got so comfortable with social media being accepting of the LGBT that they forgot they still can literally die for being gay in some countries and think it's no longer a big deal forcing someone out of the closet. It's not illegal in my country yet I can't even come out to my own goddamn family. LGBT people who invalidate fellow LGBT people's struggles all because they can be openly gay around their family and to the internet infuriate me.

[@kaili5050]

this

[@Brilenciaga]

As a bisexual woman I have always said that the lgbt community can be the most loving and most hateful of people, it’s like if you don’t fit into what mold they approve of then they attack you. I swear I’ve never been given crap from a single straight person who I’ve come out to but I have definitely been told my sexuality isn’t valid by people in the queer community and that always confused me cuz I thought that the lgbt community was supposed to be loving and accepting to people who were apart of it. I just reminds me of when that trans man posted a video talking about how they had a bad transition and how things like how they were balding and how they kind of regretted transitioning but they had gone too far and they felt they couldn’t turn back now, like they were just expressing their experiences and regrets but they never said no one else could transition or that it was wrong if you wanted to transition. They were just sharing their experience and then people from the lgbt community, especially trans folk, started coming for him and giving him tons of hate and death threats and just in general started taunting and making fun of him because of his back experience and kept throwing it in his face that they transitioned nicely. Like I just remember seeing that and it just left me sick to my stomach because I thought that this was supposed to be a loving community but from the things I’ve seen and experienced it can be just as hypocritical as anyone on the street and just as hateful as a homophobe.

[@Twat_Dirt]

That's why I stopped giving a damn about the community. Filled with hateful, hypocritical, and toxic assholes. As a bi woman, don't focus on their approval or hetero people's approval, just do you.

[@HeloSRDL]

Others youtubers: i hope you guys like this video Fred: i hope you guys HATE it I stan

[@Rowan_nawoR]

Just wanna say as a bri’ish person: In the books nick is in year 11 and I think all the other main cast are in year 10 Year 10: 14-15 years old Year 11: 15-16 years old But onto the actual video: I went through the same thing as kit but on a smaller scale. My parents have always known I’m queer but I’d never come out to them but one day they went through my phone and had a discussion with me about my texts with a friend (basically just venting) but then they also started to go “anything else you want to discuss?” And I kept saying no but then they said “what about who you like or relationships?” And I kept denying but they couldn’t take no and kept pressuring me until I outed myself to them and started crying. All I got was “we’re so proud.” And “We only wanted you to come out because we’ve known for years”. I’ve tried to talk to them about it but they won’t talk to me about it and just refuse to see the absolute family breaking mistake they made. I sort of know what Kit Connor has gone through and it absolutely sucks.I genuinely feel so bad for him.

[@boomyboymadadeel]

ohhhhhh i’m american so i’m not used to this system because 10th graders here are usually 15-16 and 11th graders are 16-17

[@escarghost]

Ok so some more info on what happened: - there was a video of kit holding hands with a girl ( who was assumed to be his girlfriend ) which caused some annoying af fans to start spaming “ wha- wait he’s straight!!! Queerbater!!! 😭😭😭“ all over the twitter bird app - also really random Harry styles also had the same thing happen basically, he was getting called a queerbater so he came out as bi because he hated that people where calling him a queerbater for wearing a dress which like bro JUST LET MEN WEAR DRESSES-

[@kara1084]

It melts my brain to try to figure out why people were saying he’s straight because he’s with a girl. Presumably people who watched the show as well.

[@Pidge980]

Thank you so much cause all I saw was the aftermath and tweet.

[@escarghost]

Yeah I know it’s like nobody’s even watched the show for a plot or to look at any of the morals and just decide instead to just simp over the character I swear-

[@escarghost]

@@kara1084 it’s a good show I just think certain parts of its fandom ruined it lmao

[@sadfaery]

Also, the girl in question is also bisexual and has been out as bi for a while. She's his co-star in an upcoming film where they play the romantic leads. I don't care if they're dating or not because it's none of my business, and people shouldn't be speculating on the love life of a literal teenager anyway.

[@billybobbyandjoey4827]

I’m in high school right now and when this show came out my queer friends were obsessed with it. They were part of the fandom that was trying to find out kit conners sexuality and I always thought it was super weird and I hated it. I have been repeatedly outed (mostly with and by family members) and while these “friends” knew about that, they still ended up telling most of the school that I was queer without me knowing or giving them permission. When I heard that kit conner was outed I felt sick because being outed has SERIOUS impacts on the person and one of the things I loved most about heartstopper was that it showed that a little. I am sad that some fans missed that point of the show because people really need to learn that…

[@Scorpzie_]

I am so sorry you had to go through that it must’ve been horrible. Nobody should have to experience that…

[@Boxoboi]

iv said this once and ill say it again, why are people so fixated on people sexualities or genders? like they literally forced basically a child to come out, just because they are dating someone. like what is wrong with this world, where they think that they have the right to force someone to do something...

[@lumr.8726]

people care more abt labels than one's personality and character. how a celebrity' sexuality is gonna change someone's life? how this affects us in our lives? nothing. even if kit wasn't bisexual, it wouldn't change nothing bc my life (and other's peoples lives) wouldn't change bc we don't have nothing to do w him.

[@Boxoboi]

@@lumr.8726 thats the problem they shouldnt, like the fact people who are "unlabelled" have a flag, kinda shows the opposite. it kinda shows they are labelled in my eyes.

[@itiswhatitismindset]

@@Boxoboi there's an unlabelled flag?? 😟

[@Boxoboi]

@@itiswhatitismindset yep. Theres literally a flag for them. Yet. They are "unlabelled"

[@kuromistan645]

Sorry but which manga is ur pfp from? I love the art style a lot!

[@cthvalntynes9295]

as a bisexual 17 year old who went through what kit is going through at a MUCH smaller scale at 15, i am so sad for him. not only because i’ve gone through it but because nobody SHOULD HAVE TO. thank you for this video frederic.

[@MikaisthebiggestsimpforFord]

I’ve never actually watched or read heartstopper but hearing this news I’m honestly baffled. Why would they force someone to come out!??? That’s honestly one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard. THIS IS WHY TWITTER IS THE WORST.

[@lumr.8726]

i saw someone saying that since he's a celebrity, he has the OBLIGATION to expose his sexuality bc he's a public figure. this is so fucked up in so many ways.

[@tangerinu_u]

@@lumr.8726 people really be objectifying celebrities as if they don't have real lives outside of their careers. god, i hate these types of shitty micro-sized brained people.

[@Cyber-Hexagon]

@@lumr.8726 That’s the STUPIDEST reason ever! That’s literally using the same logic to Lil Nax and that mf made some ADULT stuff and yet people called him “you ShUld ThInk abOut The kids!” Because…..HES public. NO! Mf ain’t responsible for their crawling vagina gremlins and people SHOULDT be entitled with Kit sexuality. IS HIS LIFE, HIS OWN PRIVACY.

[@youcanstay4570]

My cousin almost outed me (I'm bi and 19) to my family around two weeks ago. I literally lied because I was so terrified. My whole family is extremely homephobic. They believe me. I feel bad about it but it's nothing compared to the constant panic attacks I had in the bathroom at work when I found out what my cousin was doing :(

[@amaribell2987]

I agree! Kit Conner acting as a bisexual character does not mean he has to like boys in real life or has to be Qeer in real life. Its so irritating when people who call themselves “fans” ignore the entire message of heartstopper. Charlie’s entire story is based around the fact that he is struggling with the after effects of being outed. So it’s so fucking annoying to see someone forced to come out before he was ready. I feel so bad for Kit

[@lees_act]

As somebody who was outed to their whole grade by a ‘friend’, this is heartbreaking. I dont know how people can even do this to a HUMAN. A NORMAL PERSON. These people are honestly disgusting. (And thank you for talking about this)

[@aprilbunnyboo]

as a closeted 17 yo, i could not imagine how hard it is for kit to be pressured into coming out because of the so-called "fans" of the show accusing him of queerbaiting for so long, actually pathetic. thank u for addressing this

[@ZombishTurkey]

This PISSES ME OFF. I always despise when people are outed, that happened to me. Some kid overheard a Convo with my friend and outed me to my whole school. The fact that people would do this on this level is just disgusting. It's NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

[@iamindireneedofsleep4995]

I couldn’t even begin to imagine how they must feel… Being forced to come out, according to friend who unfortunately have been outed themselves, was the one of the worst things that they’ve have to do. I wish Kit Connor gathers enough confidence to properly publicly acknowledge their identity and/or sexuality on their own accord, IF THEY WISH TO DO SO. If not, that’s alright. Again, like our savior Flaming Hot Cheetos stated, YOU DONT OWN ANYBODY ANYTHING. God, the phrase “ignorance is bliss“ isn’t being taken in the way it should be.

[@insertusernamehere3173]

As someone who had been outed, this is so fricked up and I have never been so pissed. This is such a horrible situation. I wish I could just scream rant about this. This is awful. I'm so sorry for Kit. I hope he's ok.

[@tw0m00ns7]

I've read this comic for years, yeaaaars So having it as a show made me so happy. And I think it's so sad that he was forced to come out cuz this is exactly what the character Charlie went through. He was forced to come out and the whole school knew. They say it so many times in the comic/show that coming out should be your own decision and you're the one to choose the time and place. And now they're doing that to Kit. Because let's be honest, he's just 18. Why would he have to tell the whole word his sexuality. I get that people are curious I guess, but all that went wayyyyy too far

[@ToscaTee]

Parasocial relationships these days are so scary with the lack of boundaries that make people super entitled to celebrities. And sadly not everyone possess decent media literacy.

[@carmenseaby1437]

What really upsets me about this situation is that in interviews promoting Heartstopper Kit Connor spoke about being proud of being involved, how he had a crush on Hugh Grant, how Nick was the character he most identified with, how this show was the “representation we didn’t have”, and lots of other comments where it was clear that he felt a part of the queer community. He spoke like he was in the community and he cared about the community. So, when people accused him of saying he didn’t want to label himself because he was actually straight, it made no sense to me going on the stuff he was actually saying in interviews. Then there was all the bi erasure, and biphobia inherent in the assumption that he is straight because he might be in a relationship with a woman (he was seen holding hands with a female co-star). When I read his coming out tweet I felt sick in the stomach.

[@RonieTheddy03]

Damn, I feel so bad for Kit. I honestly can’t say that I’m surprised that this is mainly happening on Twitter, though. I’m so glad that he’s deleting that toxic app.

[@BTURNER1961]

What an actor owes the public, is his very best performance in character when the camera turns on or the curtain parts. His craft is his gift to us. Now often actors are contractually obligated to do photo shoots, meet & greets, interviews etc to promote the finished product. That is something he owes his studeo, his investors, etc. What he owes his fans is politeness and respect in interactions that are mutually enjoyed or sought. He does not owe them autographs, or time, or answers to personal questions. When he is more generous than that, we should be grateful for we are not entitled.

[@cat-di5tn]

I’m a heart stopper fan and I’m ASHAMED of these people. Never in my life would i do this. Disgusting.

[@beebabeeb]

i just found this out am im heartbroken for him. the whole fandom forgets he 18 years old. it's HIS personal life and its disgusting that he's been pressured so much to be outed.

[@solitaryfrog-_-]

Literally. Like y'all he is a human being how can you call yourself a fan and treat him like this.

[@littlealan1167]

I feel so bad for Kit Connor, what they did to him was horrible. I'm still thinking like: WTF, DID WE SERIOUSLY WATCH THE SAME SHOW AS THOSE PEOPLE?? I wanna cry for hours about this bc it's frustrating.

[@land-uknown7456]

I'm 17 and as someone who's in the closet because I feel like I will littarly lose my family seeing the actor get pushed to come out like that is so frightening like the amount of compassion and respect from the "fans" is nonexistent and all of them should be ashamed .

[@aethelstanadair]

"Remove your keyboard, your don't deserve it." So true, yet I'm dying from laughter. Love your wording.

[@emosaikiplush8734]

I really hate twitter, nothing good ever comes out of it

[@FandomRoyalty]

When I was 13, I was outed to my whole school. It affected me in so many ways that i am still discovering the effects today. It leaves lifelong trauma and for me has meant that I have constantly felt like I owe explanations to everyone I meet that questions me. I can't understand what it's like on the scale of Kit's experience but I understand the feelings that come with it and the pain.

[@kel5886]

14:06 i'm gonna be 17 in less than 2 months and this question hit so hard. i can't imagine what kit was going through during all of this and he's older than me (which in most cases means that he would have been through a lot more and able to understand certain things better). thank you thank you for saying that because even just being forced to come out in general is absolutely terrifying but couple that with the fact that there's death threats? and people ready to ruin his whole career over it? some people are just god awful.

[@b.rileyjowett6925]

Frederic: “You’re probably wondering what the f**k is going on with my lips” All of us literally just admiring Frederic’s makeup: ✨👄✨

[@alainaplevier2580]

I feel so bad for him. Kit is the sweetest soul and doesn't deserve any of this!

[@uleilei]

I feel so bad for kit… I was outed by a “friend” that I thought I could trust and obviously, I couldn’t…. These fans are wretched & awful. #KitDeservesBetter

[@NotD-kp3by]

Honestly this whole situation was so gross, i was so upset when i saw Kit's tweet. I can't believe that people that call themselves fans of the show and just not only go against the entire point of the show but also completly ignore the fact that Kit is a person, a young one at that. Being forced to come out to world at such a young age sounds horrible

[@Anna-yy9so]

There are so many people out there whose mentality is, "I suffered, therefore you should too." Think of those parents who insist on hitting their kids because "my parents hit me all the time and I turned out okay!"

[@Cam-33]

The entitlement of some people is outstanding. These are the “fans” that see celebrities more as objects of entertainment than real people with lives of their own

[@bobbyqualman4603]

Thank you so much for saying jealousy/envy is natural and there’s nothing wrong with feeling that way, it just comes down to how you behave because of it. So many people want to act like they’re better than those emotions and end up engaging with them in the most toxic ways

[@henlo3161]

I like how you just made yourself the CEO of the Heartstopperfandom by pushing fake fans out XD

[@Verylengthyapple]

the fact that the show focusses on the story of Nick coming to terms w his sexuality and coming out on his own terms whereas “fans” ignore that entire plot line and force kit into a corner.

[@amayao601]

I feel terrible about kit, when I saw the tweet it broke my heart. I'm bi (and also kit's age) but not out to my family and the idea to be forced to come out of the closet just to them terrifies me, I really can't imagine what he's going through. Being forced to come out in front of millions of people bc of the bullying is so wrong those "fans" deserve nothing but bad things to them and Kit (and all the cast in general) deserve so much better they are amazing and I'm really sad and angry about this.

[@abigailsheetz3780]

i saw his tweet and i cried. no one deserves this, but especially NOT KIT

[@abigailsheetz3780]

side note, he confirmed he was unlabeled.

[@jadenbewry5070]

I wasn't even aware they did that to him, this is honestly so heartbreaking. How they could be such fans of the show and do the opposite of the message it wanted to share.

[@Bethanie-r7p]

no one should have to deal with this. what has happened to the world this sort of thing is what makes young people like me scared to come out. not happy

[@librarianontheloose]

Your take on this is so good. I teach high schoolers and I cannot IMAGINE an 18 year old having to handle something like this. The level of trauma for this poor young man to be attacked so publicly this way...just shame...shame on anyone who did this.

[@gingerlife101]

this is so true i agree with all of this. It's heartbreaking to hear what is going on and what goes on constantly in celebreties and a good amount of people in general- No person should ever be forced to come out.

[@Caestrixr]

Literally even if he wasn’t queer why is it such a big deal? I think it would be nice if a straight guy wanted to play a bi character like, also ppl thought he was straight bc of things with this other girl or sum like , bi? Pan? Omni? Poly? I literally am so furious with these ppl

[@chesterbullwinklex504]

I am in literal tears right now, when will people learn that they do not have the right to anybodys sexuality? Assuming is damaging no matter what and that curiosity isn't harmless its hurting people. Real people LITERALLY CANNOT queerbait it in no way fits the definition, this whole situation is rife with biphobia and its sickening.

[@timeflies888]

I'm glad someone finally talked about this topic. As far as I know I've not seen anyone else bring it up. It is one of many unfortunate issues in today's society. I hoped during Kit's break from the app he'd find the time to block out those pushing him. Though of course as an actor he wasn't given the amount of privacy that he deserves. Nobody should have to be forced or feel obligated to tell another something so personal. It is a toxic and mentally numbing thing to put a person through. To be honest Frederic is probably one of the best people to have covered this topic, since not many people may be able to genuinely understand the troubles Kit is currently going through.

[@slm_766]

Another KZbinr who discussed this issue was Courtney-Jai. Besides using parts of his channel to inform about bisexuality, he also had a bit part in the Heartstopper show (1x6). This is what he had to say about what happened to Kit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3-bmqSsrrB4q68

[@LinWarai]

as someone who was forced to come out and outed by a toxic ex friend i really feel for kit. no one deserves to be put in that situation. it’s traumatic and i can’t believe how scummy people can be he wasn’t even queerbaiting! we should never accuse individuals of queerbaiting just because they’re doing something that people consider to be “queer”

[@alm6aa]

this is one of the reasons i left the fandom. some fans are too much. and this is absolutely heartbreaking. i hate how people just can’t keep their shit to themselves.

[@binkabop4330]

Listening to it reminds of to toxicity in thai bl industry cause honey, that's a wild ride and a half. I would honestly love to see your perspective on thai bl industry and for you to review some of those shows cause toxic is a key word in many of those and fandoms are...quite interesting to say the least

[@Caestrixr]

I’m literally so fucking mad like imagine doing that someone, I feel so bad for Kit ppl need to have some shame

[@stephaniesilvernail3472]

Its honestly so horrible what happened- the whole point of the show was so everyone felt included and to show that it's terrifying to come out. I think people forget that there real people with real feelings.

[@PopChanx]

This video is amazing! I feel like social media has made people forget... Basic boundaries exist. Also, I just wanna say, you're getting more and more stunning with each video! Thank you for the upload 🤍

[@annahbee]

No one should be forced to come out. I’m still not out to half of my family. It’s not someone else’s choice on when someone should come out.

[@_hypef1sh_]

I was hoping you'd talk about this!! I've been pissed about this since his tweet was posted. It's so unfair. I feel so bad for Kit. :( I swear people watched that show with their eyes closed. How did they even manage to miss the point thiiis much??? D:

[@melonboxxie]

I follow kit on twitter and when i saw that tweet, it infuriated me. it still is infuriating me. the whole fucking purpose of the show was to share awareness of being outed and confused about sexuality and gender, and teaching not to pressure people to come out. these ‘fans’ mostly showed up from the netflix show, not the damn comic books (which i became a fan of heartstopper from nearly 2 years ago) i honestly hope they ‘fans’ are fucking happy, that they made an 18 year old boy out himself from pure pain and pressure, i hope they sleep at night knowing how disgusting they are

[@Seynapizza]

I'm so sorry for him…

[@uhoh8767]

Kit deserves everything more than what he has been through these past months. I will never understand how people in the queer community can be so hateful sometimes. When I, a pansexual female, started dating my ex boyfriend I got a lot of smack for it from other gay people. They told me k wasn’t actually gay because I had a boyfriend. How are you gonna do that to another queer person as somebody within community. I will never understand that.

[@scotroyce6560]

No one should be Forced to come out I agree with you Love your outfit

[@Cringe_child1]

I was almost outed to my family once and that feeling is just so terrible, I feel so bad for Kit having to go through that :( (also, off topic but you are literally so pretty-)

[@fishbol478]

This reminds me of the spy x family drama where people blew everything out of proportion on what is very much a wholesome show. And now it's escalated to a personal level. I don't understand what goes through these people's heads and why they're always so full of envy and hate. I hope they realize soon that this isn't going to get them anywhere and they're just doing more harm on themselves.

[@skellbo]

This is so sad. It reminds me of in middle school everyone always told me I was a lesbian. My whole life actually, people would label me lesbian and while I knew I liked girls I had never been in a relationship, and I wasn't sure about labels I didn't really understand the full scope of my feeling on the matter. Eventually after people repeatedly saying "are you a lesbian? You're definitely a lesbian." Or stuff like "there's no way you're not gay." I just accepted it and 'came out' as lesbian. Because, well I liked girls so it made sense. I wish people would just mind their business and let others figure out their own sexuality. Because after growing and self reflection, I realized I am a trans dude and definitely not a lesbian. Not straight either. But society made me slap a label on before I was ready and I had to come out again, which really sucks. And what sucks even more is that some people still think that I'm a lesbian who's just afraid to be a girl which is complete bs. Its a very different situation than what Kit is going through. But people need to keep their opinions and questions about a CHILD'S sexuality to themselves. Let the kids figure it out, let them come out when they're ready. Especially heartbreaking that it was the queer community who did this to him. None of my queer friends would ever behave this way. Is everyone so chronically online they don't understand the implications of what they do or say to someone from their keyboard? They should be ashamed of themselves.

[@Teddycorn_123]

Okay but seriously, pushing an 18 YEAR OLD out the closet is not fair at all. I'm still figuring things out too but if I had to go through something like this, I don't know but this is unexceptionable! I really like how Frederic (spelled it right this time) said that "They don't owe it to you" because it's not the thing that defies a person and it shouldn't matter! I feel really bad and I hope Kit has had time for a break to get himself back together.

[@floreamiblompson]

as a closeted trans and bi person this is so infuriating can't believe they made him come out since this show was something that was amazing for me

[@I_mb_sorry]

Oh my gosh I swear the uproar in my local queer community was incomprehensible but the all of the support I have seen online is kind of restoring my faith in this community yet at the same time making me question being a part of this community constantly 😭😭😭

[@bansarivora7448]

i am seventeen rn and anything even resembling this happened to me i would BREAK TF DOWN and never leave my room

[@jaydunn9665]

heartbreak high also does an amazing job of showing gay/trans kids in high school. It doesn’t just have the kids bullied and beaten up for being gay/trans. Life for gay/trans people can be good at high school.

[@amazingaditisingal5294]

I LITERALLY LOVE YOU!!! someone really needed to say this Thank You!!

[@RelicAndre]

As someone who was outed online by own friends was hard enough. (and not many people really know me), but I can't imagine what Kit was going through with the large audience he has. Literally forced myself to come out so I could have the final say of the whole situation. I'm still not out to my siblings and closest friends irl and that'f fine. I know when the time will be right. Taking away a queer person's option on when and where to come out is digusting and I'm tired of it happening to people with an audience. I also wanted to thank you, Frederic for you talking about this, I'm 19 at the time writing this waiting for my senior year to be over until I begin to slowly come out to my friends and family. And this is coming from a kid who has grown up in a super relious and conservative household. I get envious of people with supportive families of the LGBTQ+ community, but that doesn't give me the right to be mad at those people. I'm so happy for kids who have a supportive environment. I wish more kids had an easy time coming to the realization there queer and feel comfortable coming out. Heartstopper is a show that has made me feel good about being queer. I still have self hatred about being a gay man, but that's never excuse to put that hatred onto others. (sorry for the rambling, and this isn't me trying to get sympathy, I hate people who write this stuff waiting for comments of support, I just wanted to express my opinion on the topic and say thanks for saying what you said in this video) (also sorry for my poor grammar skills, always been more of a math kid lol)

[@Alhaithams_Roommate]

As a person who wasn’t fully prepared to come out yet, it was one of the hardest things I went through. I forgot how to function normally for a while because I was so stressed and anxious about what my parents thought about me, my marks dropped, I was an emotional mess and I thought about doing some not so great things to myself. I can’t even imagine how Kit was feeling on a *worldwide* scale. It’s crazy. I agree how these people have clearly missed the whole message of the comics and the show. Kit has every single reason to be mad.

[@dovydasluksas588]

I watched "Heartstopper" two days ago. When I've heard of that, I got angry at those people, who accused and forced him to do this. What a shame. Kit didn't deserved that. I feel sorry for him, and I support him. I had kinda same experience in school. Someone in my school accused me and spread rumors, that I'm gay. But I'm straight. I was really confused for a very long time. But I started to date a very kind girl. We started to hangout more and more. And now she is my girlfriend. When others find out who bulled me, they we're surprised. And they apologized me for everything, that they did. This is very rude, what they did. I have never done and will never do what these people are doing now. I don't like people who make things up, gossip or slander people. This is very unethical. I think these people who did this regret that they did it. Everyone deserves the best. And it's none of your business what a person's personal life is like. This is horrible, what they did for Kit. I'm so sorry on the behalf of all the awful kids my age. Their behavior shows that they are immature.

[@olivialacroix8438]

I don't want Heartstopper to be what was portrayed because of these "fans" i'm absolutely heartbroken, Kit is a great actress and shouldn't have had to gone through that. Aaand also RIP THEM TO SHREDS

[@ruzzelladrian907]

It’s just sad that Kit had to come out like this. He’s so young and was put in that kind of pressure. He did not deserve to be treated this way by the so-called “fans.”

[@theintergalactictoastidrk1887]

Honestly this show and Alice Oseman’s books (literally all of them including her novels) gave me confidence to come out and made me feel better about myself in so many ways and it probably saved my life ngl