Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney on trans representation growing up: ‘I had Laverne Cox, I had Pose’
“If I didn’t have representing growing up, I probably wouldn’t be here"
Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney has delved into some of the incredible trans representation she had from a “young age” on-screen.
The actress, 19, is one of the breakout stars of the Netflix series that returns for a series two next week.
She plays the character of Elle Argent, who is also a transgender woman, and has detailed how proud she is to be involved in such an inclusive programme.
“If I didn’t have representation growing up, I probably wouldn’t be here,” she told OK! Magazine. “But I had Laverne Cox, I had Pose, I had representation from a young age.
“Heartstopper is so special because it’s brought a community of people together from different backgrounds” – Yasmin Finney
“I know I’m 19, but representation is such a powerful thing and all it takes is for someone to look like you, act like you, have the same voice, the same style, the same belief on-screen and that’s it. It’s inspiring and it’s powerful and it’s the future.”
She went on to add how Heartstopper is helping pave the way for even better on-screen representation. Yasmin explained: “Heartstopper is so special because it’s brought a community of people together from different backgrounds.
“Different genders, different sexualities all together on one show and it really shows every kind of person. It’s a place for equality, it’s escapism, it’s home and it’s powerful.”
Earlier this summer, fans were given a teaser of how Yasmin’s character would develop in season two. She shared how her character will be “more confident” in new episodes while chatting in a clip filmed on set.
She said: “There’s so many things that happen with Elle in season 2 that you’re not ready for.
“I would say Elle is different in the sense she’s more confident. She surrounds herself with people who elevate her.”
“There’s so many things that happen with Elle in season 2 that you’re not ready for”
Fans are hoping will end up pursuing a romance with Tao Xu (William Gao). When asked if the pair might have a romantic future, she replied: “We actually don’t kiss, that’s the sad thing.
“I can’t spill too much information but what you should know is our relationship definitely blossoms into something beautiful, which is very amazing to say – finally. But it’s very exciting.”
She teased: “Elle and Tao is something that’s been a rollercoaster of emotions – just the journey from season one to season two.”
We can’t wait to see what happens next.
Heartstopper season two premieres on Netflix on 3 August.