‘Heartstopper’ is probably the sweetest and most tender series I’ve seen lately. I, who did not have to hide during my adolescence to love the people I loved, could not help but empathize with the characters: two boys who discover love, bonds and sexuality in the midst of the hostility of a world that wants us all within the boxes that some decided were correct. I also see that despite the undoubted tenderness and sweetness of the story, in my environment it has also awakened other feelings: the feeling that they, men and women of the LGTBI collective, They robbed them of the freedom, enthusiasm and joy of first loves.
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The main characters of ‘Heartstopper’, Nick and CharlieThey start hiding a tenderness that overwhelms them. They start. But little by little they let go of their fears and insecurities, and they accompany each other, and move forward together. They do not ignore the gaze of others, because it is often a hostile gaze and it must be kept in mind, but they advance. I look at them sweetened and smile with each chapter, but, as I say, I see people around me who remember and realize: they took away the ability to love without complexes, which is how you love the first times; without haste, without regrets, without fears, without expectations; liberated from everything and everyone, in gulps.
I think of today’s youth, of the number of references they have within their reach —in Charlie and Nick, for example— that can help them understand that the hatred of others is precisely this, of others; and that they don’t have to assume it as their own, nor do they have to internalize it —I’m thinking of ‘Nanette’, by Hannah Gadsby— nor do they have to swallow it. It exists and they will suffer, but there are also other views, other stories, other witnesses and other narratives about LGTBI love. I also think of transphobic speech that does not come from the traditional extreme right and the most stale and reactionary right. I think about how their hatred tries to rob so many people of their tenderness, respect for others and empathy. They want to hide stocks—as if that were possible.