The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie in the hit HBO show, has spoken about being non-binary and said that some of their regrets about coming out when they did
Bella Ramsey has opened up about their journey since revealing they identify as non-binary. The star of The Last of Us described the experience as ‘a mixed bag,’ after making their personal life public.
Now 21, the actor who portrays Ellie in the acclaimed HBO series adapted from the beloved video game, which is now airing its second season, first discussed their “fluid” gender and non-binary identity in 2023. Since then, they’ve expressed that while they/them pronouns feel the most “truthful,” they are comfortable with other pronouns too. Reflecting on their decision to go public with their identity, Bella spoke to the Observer recently: “Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t, because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing.”
Bella acknowledged that such revelations would naturally draw attention but admitted that at the time they “didn’t really understand that”. The Game of Thrones alum also confessed they weren’t “really prepared” for how people would react to their disclosure.
Nevertheless, Bella continued by saying that sharing their story has offered representation to others. They said: “But on the other hand, people have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation,” reports the Mirror.
The award-winning actor reflected on their journey, acknowledging the ups and downs but ultimately finding it beneficial. They remarked: “So it’s been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing, just for me living more freely, without feeling like I’m keeping a secret.”
Bella expressed a desire to shift the conversation away from their gender identity, stating they will “talk about it” but don’t want it to be “the focus” anymore. They conveyed a relaxed attitude, saying they are “quite chill with it,” and wish others would adopt a similar mindset.
It’s been over two years since Bella first discussed their gender identity publicly in a New York Times article from January 2023.
Discussing their fluid sense of gender, they shared: “I guess my gender has always been very fluid.”
Reflecting on their past experiences, Bella continued: “Someone would call me ‘she’ or ‘her’ and I wouldn’t think about it, but I knew that if someone called me ‘he’ it was a bit exciting.”
At that time, Bella indicated they would choose “non binary” on forms when possible, yet emphasised that they see themselves as simply “very much just a person,” without a strong preference for specific pronouns. Bella elaborated: “Being gendered isn’t something that I particularly like, but in terms of pronouns, I really couldn’t care less.”
Months after expressing openness to various pronouns, Bella candidly told Vogue that they/them resonates the most, stating: “Being called ‘they’ is the most truthful thing for me. That’s who I am the most.”
In that heartfelt chat, Bella also touched on the support from their ‘Last of Us’ colleagues, which debuted that year. They revealed being offered a choice between a “regular” bra and a binder for their wardrobe, with Bella recalling: “[The costume supervisor would say] ‘You just pick whatever is most comfortable for you today,’ and in the end it was just a binder.”
The star reflected: “There was never anyone pressuring me.”
Echoing this sentiment, Bella praised the show’s team during an interview with the Observer, published yesterday, amidst the second season where their character Ellie explores a romance with Dina, portrayed by Isabela Merced. Lauded as “progressive” Bella reportedly told the publication about the significance of bringing queer narratives to mainstream viewers.
On set, Bella felt a sense of inclusion, noting there’s “no having to hide” or feeling “you’re out of place,” and shared their hope that audiences would feel equally represented, saying: “everyone feels like they belong” and “hopefully” viewers feel the same.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
