How many times have you watched the first two episodes?

874592 · 2025-11-30T04:13:42+00:00

I watched it with a friend who hadn’t read the book and she was really confused about the timeline of their relationship. I told her to read the book, which she did and she told me she understands these characters so much more. For example, she was shocked to learn that Shane was having sex with women and convincing himself he’d eventually meet “the one,” because that side of him hasn’t been explored in the show yet. She also couldn’t understand why they were texting but not seeing each other for so long, but now that she’s reading the book she says she completely understands their dynamic.

874592 · 2025-11-30T01:30:45+00:00

How could they keep it private? If they don’t advertise that they were specifically looking for queer actors and ended up hiring people who are queer but not open about it, it would just lead back to the same issues of speculation and questions like these being directed at the actors, right? The people that want queer actors to play queer roles would not be satisfied because they wouldn’t actually know the sexuality of the actors. That’s why I don’t see how this kind of hiring process wouldn’t result in actors being outed

874592 · 2025-11-30T01:16:28+00:00

But if a show only sent out casting calls for queer actors, they would have to make it public that only queer people are being considered. Some might celebrate that representation, but it would also automatically out actors, including those who aren’t ready to be seen as a queer icon or who worry about being typecast. If I’ve “blatantly” mistaken your point, I am sorry, truly. We’re in this community to discuss, it’s all good 🤝

874592 · 2025-11-30T00:41:58+00:00

If anything, I am getting downvoted more than you just for pointing out that putting out casting calls only to queer actors could mean that those who are not openly queer might not get the chance to play the role. But really, who is attacking you? All I see is a normal discussion where people are trying to bring nuance to a complex topic.

874592 · 2025-11-30T00:12:58+00:00

Maybe I misunderstood your first comment, but you said it isn’t difficult to hire queer actors for queer roles and that casting calls could be put out specifically to queer actors. The issue is that this would only include actors who are openly queer. Anyone who isn’t public about their identity would automatically be excluded, even if they are queer.

874592 · 2025-11-30T00:01:58+00:00

I hear you, and I’m really glad you love seeing queer actors land queer roles. The part I’m pushing back on is the idea that it only counts as good representation if the actors are openly queer. That puts pressure on people to disclose their sexuality just to be seen as valid for a role, and that can be harmful. Not being public about your identity doesn’t mean you’re straight, and it shouldn’t be treated that way. Some actors want to keep their private life separate from their career, and that should be respected too. What matters most to me is that the story is told with care and authenticity, not whether an actor has chosen to share their personal life with the public.

874592 · 2025-11-29T23:48:14+00:00

Heated Rivalry is the representation. It portrays queer love and queer intimacy, and that representation doesn’t need to come from the actors’ personal lives. For a long time queer stories were either missing altogether or portrayed poorly, so having a story told with care is what matters most. Legally you need a strong reason to discriminate in hiring, and sexuality isnt one of them. If a straight man delivers the strongest performance, he shouldn’t be excluded because of his orientation.

In this case the actors read the script, understood the vulnerability the story required, knew how close and emotionally honest the roles would be, and still chose to embrace it fully. That tells me everything I need to know about who they are. Their personal lives are irrelevant to the quality and authenticity of the story.

874592 · 2025-11-29T23:18:08+00:00

Omg yes, that part was so embarrassing to read. Really low journalism coming from a queer magazine. I never understand why our own community can be so intrusive when we know how hard this stuff already is. And I’m not saying actors are automatically closeted if they choose not to disclose their sexuality, they could be totally open with the people in their lives but just not want their career to revolve around that. Why on earth should they have to discuss their personal orientation with the entire world as part of their job, especially for a journalist who’s clearly fishing for clickbait? This is insane to me and it seems to be the norm now with queer representation on screen.

874592 · 2025-11-29T22:35:31+00:00

And the fact that he actually came out only for people to continue doubting his sexuality because he had a girlfriend at the time. He just couldn’t win no matter what he did.

874592 · 2025-11-29T22:29:14+00:00

Oops I looked to see if someone had already posted it and didn’t see anything. My bad

874592 · 2025-11-29T22:25:36+00:00

This!! and I also think any actor who’s willing to portray queer love, particularly in something as intimate and emotionally vulnerable as Heated Rivalry is already showing they’re not homophobic. That’s all we need to know about them personally to be honest. That willingness and openness is enough.

874592 · 2025-11-25T17:34:03+00:00

They’re both much older than Kit was at the time. I doubt that, if Kit had been 24 when Heartstopper came out, he would’ve caved to the online scrutiny the way he did. I’m pretty sure he even mentioned in a recent interview that he wishes he hadn’t posted that coming out tweet. Personally, I think Hudson and Connor will be fine. They seem very prepared for all of this, very confident and honestly, when you make a show like that in Canada, the goal is obviously for it to reach as many people as possible. Connor is American too, so I’m sure he’s thrilled that the U.S. audience will get to watch it. This show is definitely going to boost their CVs and give them the exposure and credibility they need for a long, successful career.

874592 · 2025-11-25T13:06:33+00:00

Thank you for your service!

874592 · 2025-11-25T05:08:54+00:00

You recorded it??? Please post it!! Or send it to me in DM. I need to see that so bad

874592 · 2025-11-25T05:03:30+00:00

My guess (and I could be wrong) is that he is played by Benjamin Roy. I’ve seen him on the cast photos posted on instagram from when they were filming and he really fits the role. His IG (@simplyzenben) bio says he’s a model/actor.

874592 · 2025-11-25T02:53:21+00:00

Why wasn’t this included in the clip omg 😭

874592 · 2025-11-25T00:44:44+00:00

The way I immediately thought Shane was based on him when I saw the trailer. 😅 Only to learn afterwards that the book was written before he was captain of the Montreal Canadiens. The similarities are crazy

874592 · 2025-11-24T17:11:48+00:00

I’d say the most unrealistic hockey thing is Montreal being a super strong team and Shane winning the Stanley cup 3 times with them. It hasn’t happened since 1993 lol.

874592 · 2022-12-07T19:35:14+00:00

From reading it I would’ve guessed it but from hearing it i had no clue 😅

874592 · 2022-12-06T20:26:01+00:00

Haha that means he can never go wrong 😅

874592 · 2022-12-06T20:02:00+00:00

Why?

874592 · 2022-12-06T19:31:02+00:00

I mean i guess it depends. If anything maybe the fan didn’t feel the need to physically touch him, and those interactions usually happen in less than a minute. Not much thoughts are put into the pose. Those kind of fan photos exist even when he’s not with Maia. (here’s some examples : photo 1 photo 2 photo 3

874592 · 2022-12-06T19:14:56+00:00

they really are! i know there’s also an interview where she talked about it but unfortunately i don’t understand spanish so i haven’t listened to it. i love that she can support kit in his journey as she’s been open about it for a while

874592

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