Credit: Netflix[/caption]
I grew up watching Glee and I am thankful I did because it helped me gain a much better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
Watching a programme that showcased gay relationships in the same way as straight relationships was a pivotal moment in my own character development and how I viewed the world.
While Glee has not aged as we all hoped it would – and is definitely not a show I'd recommend now if someone wanted to learn more about gay relationships – it paved the way for a series like Heartstopper.
The Netflix original shows how varying and beautiful the LGBTQ+ community is, and portrays young, gay relationships in a way that has never been done before.
Based off a graphic novel (which you should also read), the relationships we see in Heartstopper are nothing but completely normal. There is nothing but pure love at the root of it.
From Charlie and Nick and Darcy and Tara to Elle and Tao and Issac's journeys, the show depicts normal teenage lives and normal teenage issues – they just happen to be members of this community.
The show deals with tough subject matter too, being outed, homophobia and transphobia, the struggle of coming to terms with your sexuality – but how this is approached is some of the best writing I've seen in a long time.
Young people are using Nick's coming out scene as a way of coming out themselves. The scene is from the end of season one when Kit Connor's character reveals to his mum, played by Olivia Coleman, that he is more than just friends with Charlie, played by Joe Locke.
The heartwarming moment shows the mum accepting her son with open arms, even bringing real tears to Olivia's eyes.
Showing this type of queer representation is exactly what the world needs right now. It's making people feel seen, even those who are much older than the characters in the series.
Shows like this are few and far between, and while there shouldn't be a question mark around including representation like this – I for one am delighted this one exists.
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