Woods called Heartstopper “groundbreaking” for several reasons.

They both said that until recently, many of the shows that featured LGBTQ+ characters were centred around trauma, fear and negative stereotypes. (Images submitted by Mel Woods, Adam Zivo) Adam Zivo is a columnist for the National Post. Mel Woods, left, is an entertainment writer for Xtra Magazine. It’s about two young British teens, Nick and Charlie, whose relationship blossoms in a story that’s so unapologetically queer. Heartstopper, which debuted on Netflix on April 22, is based on the graphic novels by the same name, written by author and illustrator Alice Oseman. Netflix’s Heartstopper does just that with its wide variety of characters who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer and others such as pansexual and two-spirit). Most people love a feel-good TV show, especially when they can see themselves represented on screen.

Keep reading to find out why it’s important. It’s about two teen boys who navigate school, sports and their relationship.Įxperts in LGBTQ+ culture say it’s a great way to expose kids to positive storylines that feature diverse characters. These stories helps kids see they can be both queer and happy, experts sayĪ new show on Netflix, Heartstopper, is getting a lot of attention.